Visitation

Jun 11, 2020

Biography

It is with heavy hearts and faith-inspired anticipation of an eventual reunion that we announce the passing of Gloria J. Christensen, nee Guerra, on June 8, 2020. Gloria was surrounded by her husband of 65 years, her three children and the love and prayers of family and countless dear friends. Heaven gained a great one. She was at every basketball and baseball game and every concert. She loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids with every ounce of her heart! She was kind, selfless, loving, patient, and understanding. Her chuckle would make you smile and her red cheeks were a landing spot for every kiss you could give! She was humble and forgiving and put up with more than most would. She bent over backwards for her family, and was typically the glue that kept them together. As a wife, she did everything for her husband. She loved him and honored him in all she did. She worked hard and put her family above herself. She will be missed, and forever loved and cherished. Gloria was born March 12, 1932 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Elizabeth Guerra. She was raised in Nebo Lutheran Church, and was a long-time member. Gloria accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior while a participant in Luther League. She graduated from Farnsworth Elementary and Taft High School. In the early days of computers, Gloria was selected to be a key-punch operator at Chicago & North Western Transportation Company. Gloria married the love of her life, Ken Christensen, on November 13, 1954, and they moved to Addison, IL in 1959. Together they raised three children, largely in Addison, where they served as long-time members of Addison Bible Church. There, they were baptized together in 2004. The vital role she played in their business, and in Ken’s heart, was spelled-out in the company’s name: “Ken-Glo Drywall” from 1976 until 1999. Gloria was an integral part of the award-winning Addison Garden Club. Gloria and Ken square-danced with “Circle and Swing” in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Along the way, their lives have been blessed of God with many, many dear, close friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her father (“Daddy”) Thomas and (“Mother”) Elizabeth (“Betty”). Gloria was the beloved wife of Kenneth (“Ken”) for more than 65 years. Gloria was the adored mother (“Mom”) of Deborah, Tamara (Michael (“Mike”)) and David (Juanita). Gloria was the much-loved grandmother (“Gramma”) of Christopher (“Chris”) (Sarah), Julie (Nathan) and Jeffrey (“Jeff”) (Amanda). Gloria was the wonderful great-grandmother (“Gigi”) of Grace, Eli, Daniel, Logan, Leif, Eleanor, Avery, Brielle, Luke and Owen. Gloria (“Glo”) was the dear sister of Lois (“Lo”) (the late George (“Tim”)), Thomas (“Tom”) and Robert (“Bob”) (Peggy). On the night that we lost her, her grandson Jeff made Gloria’s spaghetti sauce for the whole family in memory of the countless hours she spent making it for us. It's what she would have wanted—family together around a table having at least one more topper. As it says in Proverbs 31: An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

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