Martin L. Christensen

1925 - 2014

Martin L. Christensen

AGE: 88 • Forked River

Martin L. Christensen, 88, of Forked River passed away peacefully at home in the loving embrace of his wife and surrounded by his family. Born in Denmark and formerly of Rahway, Martin moved to Forked River over 40 years ago.

In December 1948, Martin boarded the Empress of France to travel across the North Atlantic to Vancouver, Canada where he settled for three years. It was on this voyage that he met his wife Catherine who was traveling from her home country of Scotland to her new home in New Jersey. While aboard ship Martin began courting Catherine and the two danced and enjoyed each other's company. They spent the next 3 years corresponding by letter. They began their new life together in the USA celebrating their love in marriage on June 21, 1952. Martin retired in 1990 as Plant Manager of DAK Foods, East Brunswick.

Martin was a vivacious, gentle man with a great sense of humor. A family man first and a friend to many. He was an avid fisherman and an honorary Scotsman. He was mechanically inclined and always enjoyed working on his cars and boats. Martin was a member of the Lacey Elks, Forked River, Mariners Masonic Lodge #150, Barnegat and the Forked River Sail Club. He was a member of the Forked River Presbyterian Church, where he was a former Elder and choir singer.

Martin was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Furniss. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Catherine Christensen (nee McTernan), son Martin and his wife Anne-Marie, daughter Catherine Sandford and her husband Tim and son Robert and his wife Judy. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Martin J. Christensen, Jacqueline Anderson, M.D., Scott, Michael and Stephen Sandford, Ian and Renee Christensen, great grandchildren Davin, Chase and Jackson Anderson and sister Karen Bojstrup.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Forked River Presbyterian Church, 131 North Rt. 9, Forked River, NJ 08731. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Martin's memory to his church at the above address or the Deborah Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 820, Browns Mills, NJ 08015. Cremation was private and under the direction of Riggs Funeral Home, Forked River.