Barbara “Barb” Kay Christensen

Barbara “Barb” Kay Christensen age 80 of Harrison passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Barb was born April 8, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan. She was the daughter of Vernon Christensen and Gweneth Belle (Harper) Christensen. Barb graduated from Midland High School, Midland, Michigan in 1961. She furthered her career in education earning her degree in education, graduating in 1968 from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Barb spent many years teaching, substitute teaching, farming on her mini-farm and was a bar owner for several years in Presque Isle, Wisconsin. While residing in Harrison, Barb volunteered her time and expertise at Camp Oak Hills Girl Scout Camp of Harrison as a clerk.

Ms. Christensen had resided in Harrison since the mid 80’s, moving from Reed City, Michigan. Barb was an active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Harrison, the Clare County Baby Pantry, American Legion Post 404 Auxiliary of Harrison and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3292 of Gladwin, Michigan. Barb enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, golfing on the senior league at Devils Knob Golf Course, Harrison, playing casino games on her iPad and nudge games at the Eagles. Barbara enjoyed people, young and old, her passion was to befriend many, surround herself with her friends and be the witty and brutally honest life of the party. Many will remember Barb’s multitude of jokes and her famous St. Patrick’s Day yearly parties. She always lived by the words of Louis Armstrong’s song, “What a Wonderful World”.

Surviving Barb is her companion and best friend of twenty-seven years, Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glotkowski, one stepbrother, Gary Zechel and wife Jo-Carole, three loving nieces; Judy Foster, Camie Spencer and Lisa Goulette, her beloved fur babies; Sammy and Max, plus many other family members and close, loving friends. Barb was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Christensen, stepfather, William “Bill” Zechel, her mother, Gweneth Christensen-Zechel, one sister, Sharie Belden and stepbrother, David Zechel.

Celebration of Life services honoring Barb will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts in memory of Barb may be considered to: Clare County Animal Shelter or Clare County Baby Pantry.  To share an online memory or condolence with Barb’s family, please visit: www.clark-stocking.com. Arrangements for Barb and her family are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 165 West Oak Street, Harrison, Michigan 48625, 989-539-7810.