Bruce W. Christenson, age 72, of Sheboygan, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc. He was born in Sheboygan on August 21, 1948, the son of the late Grant and Ross (Gillen) Christenson.
Bruce attended local schools and graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1967. He attended UW-Sheboygan, where he met his future wife, Karen Paulson. Bruce went on to graduate from UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Criminal Justice in June of 1971. On July 17, 1971 he was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Karen Paulson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. Bruce was looking forward to celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary next year with his “Peenykins”.
Bruce was a Police Officer for the City of Sheboygan from 1972 until his retirement in 2005. From 1982 on, he enjoyed his role as a Police School Liaison officer at Sheboygan South High School. Many future Liaison programs were modeled off of his program. In his years at South High School, he helped countless students and families, many of whom even now, continue to reach out to him to share how he impacted their lives. Bruce also started K&K Janitorial Services which he still presently owned. He was currently employed as an insurance agent at Jerry Heinen and Associates. He enjoyed his work with the Heinen family, especially his good buddy Emily. Bruce was a current member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls. He was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed pheasant hunting in North Dakota with his son and hunting buddies. He spent countless hours working with his loyal hunting dogs Rusty, Sam, Buddy, and Libby over the years. Bruce also loved to spend time with his family and friends, and had a special relationship with his four grandchildren. Anyone who knew Bruce knew he had a very unique sense of humor and an enormous heart. We know that he would not want us to cry because he is gone, but instead smile because he made us laugh, and he was ours!
Survivors include his wife Karen, of Sheboygan; two children, Kelly Brotz, of Sheboygan and TJay (Julie) Christenson, of Milwaukee; four grandchildren, Aiden, Rylee, Brenna and Nolan Brotz; three brothers, Tod (Lisa) Christenson, of Sheboygan Falls, Mark (Candy) Christenson, of Manitowoc, Gig Christenson, of Waldo and a brother-in-law, Ralph (Judy) Paulson, of Racine. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews. The friends he leaves behind are far too numerous to mention but know the impact you had on his life. Bruce was preceded in death by parents and two brothers-in-law, Harvey, and Herb Paulson.
A funeral service for Bruce will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 730 County Road PPP, Sheboygan Falls. Family and friends may gather at the church on Saturday afternoon from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery. The funeral service for Bruce will be livestreamed and is available to watch at www.stpaulfalls.com
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his name. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the entire staff at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center in Manitowoc.
Due to current health concerns please practice social distancing and wear a facial covering for the visitation and funeral service in the church.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
Although quite late my condolences to Bruces family. Without Bruce I am not sure I would've had the courage to get out of a horrific situation I was in as a kid. He definitely had a hand in saving my life. His work with so many of us at South High while I was there was probably the biggest support we had from anyone. I am truly sorry for you all ~ and I know I don't need to tell you what an incredible person he was. Many of us kids definitely appreciated you supporting him in going above and beyond for so many of us, in and out of school and even taking calls from a few of us well beyond graduation and into various stages of our adult life. Thank you Bruce! Rest in Peace.
I was so sorry to hear of Bruce's death. He was so lovely to my brother, Collins, who lived in one of the apartments Bruce oversaw. He was alert to Collins' needs and stepped in with understanding and compassion when needed. Our family will always remember him with gratitude and affection. He was a good man and made a difference for the Good in this world.
So sorry to hear of your loss this morning - unfortunately too late to attend the service. Dan and I enjoyed our years of knowing Bruce and Karen and all the laughs we shared. Dan will remember a time he was riding with Bruce, who noticed a police officer on duty, and decided to give him something to think about. He starting racing through the streets with his colleague in pursuit. Needless to say, he quickly slowed down and they all had a laugh when the colleague realized Bruce was just playing with him. It was a different time. But, no matter what, Bruce always found a way to make it fun.
So sorry for your loss.
At 50 years of age I have still to meet a man of Bruce's caliber. He truly was a HERO in my life and many others.. He saved my life and then made it worth living.. He met me at my worst in my life, but always treated me with kindness and respect and he never gave up on this lost 14 year old girl. and I am forever indebted to him and his compassion for not only me but all that he met.. I have tried to live my life in a way that he would be proud of me. I only hope I have come close to being as caring and loving and supportive as He was. I am a better person for knowing him and I thank GOD everyday of my life that He had our paths cross to save me.. If he is the only Hero I ever meet in my life, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Thank you Sir for all you have done for so many.. You will always be a part of my life. Serenity, Courage, Wisdom. love always Tracey.
Bruce was my cousin - his dad and my dad were brothers. I remember seeing Bruce and his brothers when my family made trips during my childhood to Dad's home - Sheboygan Falls, and I got to connect with him at the 2013 cousin reunion. I learned so much about him from this posting, and he truly was an amazing person. My deepest condolences to his family members, he will be missed. Kathy
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Bruce.He was a great guy,and I will always have fond memories of him.
Karen, so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Bruce was a fine insurance agent who helped us a lot.
Our sincere condolences to the Christenson family for your loss. Bruce was a good friend and will never be forgotten.
I am so sorry for your loss. About 2 weeks ago I actually was trying to remember Bruce's last name. In high school I had to meet with him and he gave me some very positive and supportive advice that I have remembered,shared, and used throughout my life. I remember being so scared to go talk to him and how much more educated and safer I felt when I left. I am sure he made many others feel like that, which is amazing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Jamie Velvikis, MS, LPC-IT, CSW
Bruce was a very close family friend of my families. If I wasn't talking to him at South about things, then I would see him at my uncle Mark's restaurant. He was a great guy to be able to come to and talk about anything. He helped my through alot of things growing up and he will be greatly missed.. He really was one of the "good guys" Rest in Peace Bruce and prayers to the family.
Brother Mark is a classmate/friend of mine. I knew Bruce as a young man and could see the makings of a very good person. My heart felt sympathy to the entire Christenson family!
All the memories from watching the pigeons fly in the high school auditorium to a skipping school to go northern Pike fishing through the parties at Bruce and Karen house and most of all watching Kelly and TJ grow into the adults they have. Bruce always brought up the Grandkids when we got to visit O so proud he was.
Cherished memories folks as he will walk by your side for ever !!
Haven’t seen Bruce in many years but, have known him since we were young kids. Lived in the same house on Guilford St for a few years, many stories to tell.
Our Sincerest Sympathy to the Christensen Family.
Carol & LeRoy Kramer
I remember Bruce as a Police School Liaison officer at Sheboygan South High. He was always friendly and willing to talk with us. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
