Allen Ray Christner

Allen R. Christner, 85, of East Jordan, MI died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. He was born in LaGrange, IN on April 4, 1935, the son of the late Monroe and Edna (Hershberger) Christner. Allen was the loving husband of Marjorie (Burkholder) Christner, with whom he celebrated over 63 years of marriage.

Upon growing up on a northern Indiana farm, Allen became a Mennonite Service Volunteer at the School for Severely Handicapped Children, at the State University of Iowa. On November 4, 1956, he moved to White Cloud, MI, and married Marjorie Burkholder.

Allen retired as a radiology technician for Munson Medical Center where he worked for 35 years. Following his retirement, he moved from Traverse City to East Jordan where he spent time doing what he enjoyed most: gardening, reading, volunteering, and visiting his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Allen was deeply devoted to God and his wife and family. He always had a scripture, song or prayer on his lips. And now he is enjoying that much anticipated meeting with Jesus. 

In addition to his wife, Allen is survived by his children: Brian L. Christner, husband of Lorilee (Mast) Christner, of Wolcottville IN; Marvin W. Christner, husband of Sylvia (Martin) Christner, of Sedalia CO; Sheldon R. Christner, husband of Rebekah (Steinberg) Christner, of Lititz PA; Carla J. Christner of Penn Laird VA; and Nathan A. Christner of Middlebury VT;  twenty two grandchildren:  Audrey, Jordan, Charity, Dana, Alisha, Trey, Wilson, Juanita, Richard, Rachel, Sharon, Caleb, Asher, Talia, Anthony, Ashlyn, Tyler, Trent, Cade, Jack, Maggie, and Charlotte; twenty-six great grandchildren; two brothers: Gerald Christner of Mooresville IN and Larry Christner of Niles MI; as well as many great nieces and nephews. Allen was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Catherine D. Rohrer, wife of Linden Rohrer of Dayton VA,  and four siblings: Arnold Christner, Adrian Christner, Marie Christner, and Esther Christophel.

The family would like to thank friends, caregivers and Hospice who helped Allen at the end of his life. Special thanks goes to Sabrina Redmer for her loving care for Allen which made a world of difference for him in the last two years of his life.  

Flowers are welcome and may be sent to 00176 N. Ranney Rd., East Jordan, MI, 49727. 

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to 1110 East 690 South, Wolcottville, IN, 46795 in care of Brian L. Christner.

A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date.  The family was served by the Penzien Funeral Homes, Inc., East Jordan.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the Tribute Wall at: https://www.penzienfh.com

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