Wilfred Christman

Wilfred Henry Christman, 86, of Sabetha passed away Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the home.

He was born in 1921 at Seneca, Kansas, to Joseph and Appolonia Waller Christman. He attended St. Peter and Paul Catholic School. On November 23, 1943, he married Anna Niehues at Kelly, KS.

Wilfred spent his early married years in farming and operating a gas station. He moved to Sabetha in 1951 to work for the Nemaha Coop Creamery (Mid-American Dairy Association) and later became a foreman. He retired from there at age 65. He also owned and operated a furniture refinishing business, which he continued until his death. He was a master at restoring furniture.


Wilfred was an avid collector of antiques, was a former active member and curator of the Nemaha County Historical Society, and was involved with the Democratic Party; however, his greatest devotion was to Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served for twenty-one years as an extraordinary Eucharistic minister to the nursing homes and hospital, and was the church sacristan.


Even though Wilfred was busy in his retirement, he always had time for his family. He is survived by his wife, Anna, their four children: Donna and Jim Judah, Brentwood, NH; Jo Ann and Bob Hoffman, Wamego, KS; Ron and Debby Christman, Wales, WI; and Jim and Sue Christman, DuBois NE; his eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.


Rosary and visitation at Popkess Mortuary on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 and a funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:30, with burial following at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Seneca.


The family suggests donations to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sabetha.