Harold Frederick Christmann Jr.

Harold Frederick Christmann Jr. passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2025, at the age of 76 in Houston, Texas. He was born on March 1, 1949, in New York City, New York to the late Gloria A. and Harold F. Christmann. Surviving him are his wife of 52 years, Ann Christmann, his son Greg Christmann and wife Amanda, and his daughter Jenni Stupka and husband Eric. He was a devoted grandfather to Collin Christmann, Allison Christmann, Olivia Stupka, Presley Stupka, and Jack Stupka. He is additionally survived by his brother, Bill, and wife Cindy; his five sisters, Linda, Gloria, Joanne and husband Bubba, Karen and husband Pat, and Therese and husband Ron; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful yellow labrador, Lori.
Harold has always been enamored with the outdoors. In 1972, he graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with both an Accounting Degree and a Wildlife Biology Degree with a minor in Forestry. During that time, he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, a brotherhood that he eventually shared with his son and his grandson. While involved in Theta Chi he participated in philanthropic efforts and formed valuable lifelong friendships. Afterwards, he began his career in public accounting under the guidance of Arthur Andersen & Co. before founding his own firm, Christmann & Co., in 1983. In doing so, he was able to employ many nieces, sisters, and family members, allowing the family bonds to continue at work, eventually sharing his practice with his son.
Harold also participated in numerous recreational and service-based organizations. He was a long-standing member of the St. Charles Bay Hunting Club, holding titles such as Board Member, Treasurer, and past President. His family recalls many lively nights spent chatting on the porches of the club, listening to Harold's jokes, anecdotes, and tall tales. In addition to the club, he served on the Board of Directors for the Sam Houston Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, chairing their sporting clays event for two years. His life membership and leadership positions in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo allowed him to treat loved ones to many entertaining Rodeo nights. His mission to conserve the wildlife he was so fond of is embodied in his thirty-year membership in the Ducks Unlimited organization, where he served as District Chairman, Zone Chairman, and Area Chairman.
Above all else, his adoration for Texas nature fueled his purchase of the New Ulm property, which quickly became not only his happy place, but a sanctuary for family and friends as well. He took great joy in teaching his grandchildren the names of various birds, plants, and small animals, instilling in them the same respect for the outdoors that he held. His favorite pastime at the country was sitting on the porch throwing the ball for Lori while having appetizers with friends and family and scouting for deer in his binoculars. Most recently, he took up cattle-ranching as a hobby. He dedicated his free time to learning the ins and outs of raising and selling cows, with Lori riding shotgun for daily feeds and trotting eagerly alongside his boots as he checked the pastures.
Despite his many accomplishments, hobbies, organizations, boards, and accolades, his real passion in life was his family and friends. He was with his wife, Ann, for 56 years and every week he looked forward to heading to the country on Friday afternoon and spending the weekends with her, working, relaxing, and dining with their close friends. He was Greg and Jenni's best friend and confidante; he always had a listening ear and helpful advice. His proudest accomplishments were his grandchildren - he came to every game, meet, play, recital, Grandparents Day, anything they did, he was there if he could be. He was their number one supporter and biggest cheerleader. He loved teaching them to hunt and fish, traveling with them to the National Parks, and just sitting around the fire pit talking about their days. The biggest way he showed his love for them was through the example he set in how he lived his life. He was full of integrity and a wealth of knowledge. He always had a helping hand for anyone who needed it, he was an incredibly hard worker, a friend to everyone who met him, and he loved his family and friends unconditionally.
When all is said and done, Harold lived his life the best way possible - with patience, attention to detail, and a quiet joy that followed him everywhere. His positive outlook on life could always be seen in his infectious smile. He altered countless lives through his generosity, whether it was advising friends and family on career success, being a mentor for the younger generation, a sounding board for those in need, or just a lunch to talk about life; Harold served others in everything he did. He was one of a kind and the void he left in so many people's lives will never be filled.
Although the sound of his boots in the office and across the porch at the country will be missed, his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched - especially in his grandchildren, who can tell one bird call from another, appreciate a good George Strait song, and will always smile at the memory of his brown felt cowboy hat.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 10720 Joan of Arc Dr, Houston, TX 77024. A reception will follow holy mass on the church campus.