Harold was born in Knox, Indiana on January 4, 1930 as the 11th child of Joseph and Luella Christopher. The family moved to Tekhema, Nebraska, where he spent his youth living with his older sister who had children the same age as he. Harold enlisted in the Army Air-corps and served in Alaska as a heavy machinery operator building post WWII “top cover”. Upon his honorable discharge, he tried his hand at farming, raising pigs and horses. On a Sunday in July of 1952, Harold stopped into a small family grocery store in Omaha, looking for ointment for his horse, where he met Marilyn Johnson. Four months later they were united in marriage on October 10th. Over the ensuing years, they raised four sons, Craig, Bruce, Mark and Todd while living in Omaha.
Harold worked at Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) over 32 years in the instrument and controls department. OPPD was his personal mission field as he lived out his testimony to everyone he came in contact. A man of few words, there was no question of his faith and priorities. Ever a servant, Harold would take a portion of his vacation to help Marilyn cook for the Nebraska Free Methodist Conference family camp in Ansley, Nebraska.
Speaking fondly of his family, Harold recounted the joy and fun they had taking friends and family to Fremont Lakes in the middle of the week in order to avoid the crowds, water skiing and inner tubing behind the 14-foot Lone Star run-about. There are many family memories featuring Harold, the red and white boat and the 35-HP Evinrude.
Harold enjoyed sport fishing the local farm ponds and reservoirs in Nebraska. Later in life he relished fishing in Washington with his sons, Craig and Bruce.
The Christopher home in Omaha was always a way station for weary travelers or people who needed a place to stay for whatever length of time was needed. If they weren’t home, their door was always open anyway. Harold and Marilyn believed and acted upon their belief – “You can’t outgive God.”
Harold gladly welcomed the wives his sons brought in the family; the daughters he never had. Eventually, he was grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
After retiring from OPPD, Harold and Marilyn would serve at Rancho Betania, Mexico for many winters doing the needed but often unglamorous jobs. Making friends and sharing the joy of Jesus despite the language barriers. They also participated with a group of volunteers called SOWER Servants On Wheels Ever Ready, to serve at various non-profit Christian ministries.
Moving to Warm Beach, WA in 2003, Harold and Marilyn continued to serve others and give of themselves until Marilyn passed away on February 7th, 2012. On February 16th, 2013 Harold married an unexpected joy, Jeanne Wiganosky. Jeanne has five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom Harold embraced and loved. Harold’s love for Marilyn for their 60 years was undeniable. The joy Harold found with Jeanne was unquenchable.
The rest of Harold’s story continues in heaven with his Savior and Lord where he is assuredly proclaimed just as he was known to all who had the blessing of crossing his path: Harold, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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