Jennifer Christenson
Milwaukee on 09 January 1952
Delafield on 20 October 2019
67 years
Location: St. Mary's Chapel 123 Main Street Oconomowoc, Date and Time: Saturday, March 2, 2024 Service begins at 10:00 AM
Jennifer Christenson\'s life unfolded like the gentle hills of her Wisconsin home, marked by modest beginnings and a rich tapestry of experiences. Born in the winter chill of Milwaukee on January 9, 1952, she grew up in a close-knit family, the middle child of three siblings. Her father was a machinist, and her mother, a school teacher, instilled in her a lifelong love for learning.
Jennifer\'s early years were filled with the simple joys of Midwestern life—ice skating on local ponds, summer picnics by Lake Michigan, and community gatherings. Her education in Milwaukee’s public schools was punctuated by her avid participation in the school choir and her passion for literature, which blossomed in her teenage years.
After high school, she pursued a degree in English Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a period during which she became deeply involved in the civil rights movement and anti-war protests of the late 1960s and early 1970s. These experiences shaped her worldview profoundly, embedding a strong sense of justice and advocacy in her character.
In 1975, Jennifer married her college sweetheart, Jonathan Christenson, and they settled in Delafield, a small town where they raised their two children. Jennifer\'s career as a high school English teacher was marked by her innovative teaching methods and her dedication to her students. She was beloved for her ability to reach troubled teens, helping them find their voices through poetry and prose.
Jennifer’s home was often filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and books piled high. Her love for gardening turned their backyard into a vibrant oasis, where neighbors and friends gathered for her famous Sunday brunches. Jennifer also contributed to her community as a volunteer at the local library and led a book club that thrived for decades.
After retiring in 2014, Jennifer and Jonathan enjoyed traveling, visiting historical sites across Europe and South America. These trips further enriched Jennifer\'s lectures and writings, which she continued to pursue passionately.
Jennifer’s life came to a close on October 20, 2019, in Delafield. Her legacy, however, lives on through her published collection of essays and poems, her beloved family, and the many lives she touched both in and out of the classroom. Her story is a testament to the impact one person can have on their community and the world, driven by a commitment to education, equality, and the power of words.
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