Christian Enebak Wignes, 83 passed away Thursday April 19, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Chris was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 7, 1934 to Harold Johannes Wignes and Agnes Kristianson Wignes.
As a child, the family moved to Glenwood Landing on Long Island where Chris spent his formative years. Chris was a proud Norwegian and the sea was in his blood, he worked as a lifeguard while in high school and upon graduating high school, spent time working as a crewman sailing up and down the Atlantic seaboard before being drafted into the US Army. Chris proudly served his country, returning to Long Island afterward and starting school at Adelphi University and starting work for the New York Times.
Chris met and married Miriam Ann Johnson Feb. 13, 1960 and soon started their family. Chris and Mim were transferred out to California where their son Christian David was born in 1962. Upon being transferred back to New York, their daughter Suzanne Beth was born in 1965. The young family settled further up Long Island in the town of East Northport. There Chris would serve as Sunday school superintendent, coach baseball and raise his family while still working for the “Times”. In 1978, Chris was given the opportunity to open a branch advertising office for the “Times” in Houston, Texas.
Chris and Mim settled in Spring Branch and entrenched themselves into the community working with Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Spring Branch High School where their children attended. Chris thrived in his role in Houston garnering many sales awards. Chris worked for the “Times” for 43 years. Upon retiring, Chris was so valuable they hired him as a consultant for another 5 years. Chris finally retired for good in 1999.
Chris was an avid tennis player for many years and always kept himself in tiptop shape. Chris was a loving and devoted father and mentor to many young friends of his children. Children would flock to Chris for the way he would take an interest in them. When his granddaughter Lindsay Wignes Doler arrived, he was in his element. He created a special bond with Lindsay as he would take her to many places on their Saturday trips around town. Whether it be chasing choo choo trains, feeding the ducks at the park or special shopping trips, Chris doted on Lindi, no one could have asked for a better grandfather.
Chris leaves behind many who loved him dearly, especially his bride of 58 years Mim. Chris was fully devoted to her and always made sure she was well taken care. His daughter Suzanne, who was daddy’s little girl and grew up to be just like him. Mike, his son in law aka son #2 and Lindsay his granddaughter. His sister Karen Reynolds who shared special bond to and when paired together always had a roaring good time. Nieces Wendy Slevens, Carolyn Reynolds, Jennifer Farrell, Holly Mulderig, Linda Lavasseur, Tina Medenis, Maila Berry and nephews Danny Reynolds, Joe Genduso, Steve Genduso, Tommy Genduso and Matt Johnson. Marilyn Comstive, his childhood friend and secretary at the “Times” in Houston. Brian Higgins and David Yost two other “sons” who became part of the family as well as their wives Rhonda and Susie.
Chris is preceded in death by his son Christian David Wignes, his parents Harold and Agnes Wignes, his older brother Harry Wignes and brother in law Dan Reynolds.
A memorial service or as Chris said before he passed “my party” will be held Saturday, April 28th 2018 at 11:00 AM in Holy Cross Lutheran Church 7901 Westview Dr. Houston, TX. 77055.
Honorary pallbearers include Mike Doler, Dan Reynolds, Brian Higgins, David Yost, Rick Crellin and Tommy Neumann.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dwayne Broussard, Dr. Neil Kleiman, Dr. Peter Nguyen, Dr. Eric Bernicker, Cathy Ramsey, Nicole Johnson, Carol Thornton for keeping him going for the last 20 years. The staff at Houston Hospice for their help at the end. A special thanks to Pastor Jim Bergrenn of Holy Cross Lutheran church for his love and support.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Dr., Houston TX. 77055; The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123: or The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231
