Edward Herbert Christian

Ed was called home to his heavenly Father on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 90 years of age. He was born in Randolph, Wisconsin, on November 11, 1932, to Lucille (Loschinski) and Herbert Christian. Born of hardy German and Polish heritage, raised during the Great Depression, and losing his mother at the age of 14, Ed became a man of great faith. He understood the value of a dollar, was resourceful and conservative, dedicated to his wife and family, and an incredibly hard worker. He was a quiet man of few words but, when he spoke, people listened.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Shirley, along with son Lee (Dena), daughter Lori, sister Shirley DeVries, and four grandchildren: Benjamin, McKenna, Thomas, and Alexander. Ed was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Thomas Larsen.
Ed graduated from Randolph High School in 1950 and was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. He served his country in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Riley, Kansas, with Kaiserslautern, Germany as his favorite location. After being discharged from the Army, Ed attended the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. It was at the University of Wisconsin that he met the love of his life, Shirley. They graduated and were married two days later on June 13, 1960. To this union, Lee was born in 1963 and Lori in 1965. As a parent, Ed was kind, understanding, and loving, often leaving the difficult parenting decisions to Shirley.
He continued serving his country as a National Park Ranger in some of our country's most beautiful parks including Lassen, Sequoia, and Grand Teton. It was at Grand Teton National Park (Jackson, Wyoming) that he served as ambassador to Presidents Jimmy Carter and George Bush when they visited the area. Ed took great pride in protecting our national parks and was regularly recognized for his contributions. He retired after almost 30 years of service in 1994.
Ed was an avid hunter, despite never receiving his most desired license for moose. He and Shirley were active in several trap shooting communities and operated the Jackson Hole Trap Club for many years. Ed was recognized for shooting over 250,000 targets and held many leadership positions within the trap shooting community. Ed and Shirley spent many winters in Arizona enjoying trap shooting with friends.
With an ever-present sweet tooth, Ed was a huge fan of chocolate, desserts, and the Christmas cookies Shirley made each year. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he made sure that his family was well taken care of during the holiday season. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Colorado Rockies. Golden retrievers were consistent members of the Christian household.
A failed back surgery in 1998 resulted in the permanent paralysis of his left leg and other health challenges. Ed and Shirley moved from their beloved Jackson, Wyoming to Fort Collins in 2002 to be closer to Lee and his family. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015, Ed's remarkable and detailed memory, quick wit, and storytelling gifts, continued to amaze all around him.
Ed's strength and perseverance were on full display as he navigated a maze of progressive health challenges in his later years. He displayed kindness, patience, and resilience during incredibly trying times and served as a role model for those who knew him. Throughout it all, his faith in Jesus, and his love of family, served as his foundation.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the wonderful care providers and friends who spent time with Ed and who enhanced his last few years including Pastor Joel Spaude, his wonderful family, and the entire St. Peter Lutheran Church family.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made in Ed's name to St. Peter Lutheran Church (Building Fund) or Ducks Unlimited.
Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 am