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John E. Christensen, Ph.D.

September 6, 1948 – May 28, 2025

UNO Chancellor Emeritus John Eric Christensen, Ph.D. (Omaha, NE) was born on September 6, 1948, and he passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Annie Christensen, and his son, Anders.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Jan; his sons, Erik and Dana (spouse: Jackie Wilber, Ed.D.); grandchildren: Steen, Adeline, Soren, Olivia, Freya, Ziona, and Bina; sister, Margy. He also leaves countless Mavericks whom he counted as family.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Wednesday June 4, 2025, 10:00AM at the Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE 68182. The service is open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the John E. Christensen, Ph.D. Memorial Fund.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124.

In Loving Memory of John E. Christensen, Ph.D.

Born September 6, 1948 Omaha, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest May 28, 2025 Omaha, Nebraska

Age 76 years, 8 months, 22 days

Celebration of Life 10am Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Baxter Arena, Omaha, Nebraska

Presider: Gail F. Baker, Ph.D.
Processional: "I Can't Stop Loving You": Brixz the Flip
Welcome: Gail F. Baker, Ph.D.
UNO Student Remarks: Jordan Burns, Patrick Davlin
Musical Performance: "Wind Beneath My Wings": Brixz the Flip
University of Nebraska Remarks: President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
UNO Colleague Remarks: B.J. Reed, Ph.D.
Eulogy: Jim Akers, Ed.D.
Musical Performance: "I Cross My Heart": Brixz the Flip
Family Remarks: Dana Christensen
Recessional: "I Will Follow You Into the Dark": Brixz the Flip

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the John E. Christensen, Ph.D. Memorial Fund

"Maybe it's just me, but I tend not to look back. I look to the future. UNO has an incredibly bright future. It's full of optimism, Maverick momentum, and excitement around our core mission as a premier metropolitan university. We will continue helping people in this community live a better tomorrow and raising the quality of life for everyone. I know there are some of you that may be tired of hearing this again, but I want you to know I'm the luckiest guy in the world. Bless this place and the people who have changed my life."--John E. Christensen, Ph.D.

"You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived. You can close your eyes and pray they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all they left for you. Your heart can be empty because you can't see them, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember only that they are gone, or you can cherish their memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind and feel empty, or you can do what they would want. Smile. Open your heart. Love...and go on."--Elizabeth Ammons

Arrangements by Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries--West Center Chapel, Omaha, Nebraska

#2 tributes below from the funeral home website

My sincere condolences go out to Jan and John's family – my thoughts and prayers are with you all. John made a lasting impact at UNO through his various roles beginning with the College of Education and ending as Chancellor. I enjoyed working with John on a number of projects. All my best wishes in the days ahead.--Esther Scarpello

John Christensen was a wonderful UNO Chancellor, but even more important, he was a wonderful, caring and kind person. Even though he was the Chancellor, he was always approachable and willing to chat and listen. He is definitely going to be missed. My sincere condolences to Jan and all of his family and friends.--Stella Watts

I served as an adjunct for a number of years at UNO. Dr. Christensen treated me as one of the staff during this time. His kindness, thoughtfulness, professionalism, and excellent leadership will always be treasured. He was a leader who cared about the university, the staff, and the students.--Bob Lykke

His dedication to "kids and community" will be missed, as well as his leadership and friendship. Sincere condolences to Jan and family.--Paul Cohen

We were truly blessed to have John as the friend and leader of the UNO Community, and beyond. Working with John for more than 20 years, he was a gift to us all. He really cared about all of us.==Mattaio Galardi

I was a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet during my year as interim vice chancellor for student affairs (2009-10). I was impressed with Dr Christensen's leadership, humanity, and most of all, his humility. When the Maverick Mojo-Why Fight It? marketing campaign was about to launch, Teresa Gleason and I visited Chancellor Christensen to preview the advertising materials which involved state of the art social media and a micro website (BeAMav.com). A maverick approach, indeed. His reply: "Go for it."--David Cicotello

Condolences to the Christensen family. I was privileged to have been at UNO with John for 30 years. He was a close friend and effective leader. He will be missed.--Joseph Bertinetti

When UNO was facing several crises, the entity needed someone to both right the ship and plan a path forward that would allow a permanent platform for excellence. The Board had the collective wisdom to select one of its former graduates to serve as the new Chancellor. John Christensen brought a bundle of skills bonded together with his high level of integrity that propelled UNO to new heights of high-quality educational levels. These outcomes were the result of both his decisions and the decisions of individuals John selected to help implement a variety of programs. In my opinion, John will always be remembered as a major leader of his beloved entity – the University of Nebraska at Omaha.--John R. Anstey

He was a great man with unlimited knowledge. He will be missed.--Kristopher S Peterson

So sorry to hear of John's passing. Seems like yesterday we shared a room at Dana College and dreamed of our futures. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire family.--Joyce Jensen

~~~from obituaries and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Washington County, Nebraska Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflet on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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