Carroll M. Christensen, 86, Danish coffee shop owner
Carroll (Speedy) M. Christensen, 86, of River Forest died last month. Mr. Christensen was the beloved husband of Ruth for 57 years, the loving father of Jack (Barbara) and Scott (Linda) Christensen. He was the dear grandfather of Troy, Todd, Jill, Rebecca, Michael and Bethany Christensen, and the cousin of Shari (Gary) Hoech and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Christensen, a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park was born in Chicago Heights, the only son of Alfred and Anna Pederson. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corp. from 1942-45.
On September 25, 1948, he married Ruth G. Guemmer, and in 1951 the couple purchased Christensen’s Danish, a coffee shop in Oak Park, and ran the restaurant until 1962. He then worked for Sexton foods. Throughout the years, he joyfully participated in Dart League, Sunday morning coffee hour, and bowling league.
Visitation was held at Drechler, Brown and Williams Funeral Home, and services were held at St. John Lutheran Church in Forest Park. Interment was at Chapel Hill Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John Lutheran Church are appreciated.
Robert Stipek, 81, Fisherman, WWII vet
Robert J. Stipek, 81, of Las Vegas, Nev., died on Aug. 10, 2006. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theatre during World War II. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman.
Mr. Stipek was the husband of Barbara (nee Livermore) for 56 years; the father of Mark (Erin); and the grandfather of Kelsey, Sarah and Hannah. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St. in Forest Park. Family and friends will gather there on Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. to process to Queen of Heaven Cemetery for an 11 a.m. chapel service, followed by interment.
