Rich Christians

Rich Christians was born in Murdock, Minnesota on Sunday, February 21st, 1937. His mother Jennie's career as a school teacher took the family to Swift and Chippewa County communities, eventually settling into the Montevideo area. Rich received his high school education in Montevideo, graduating with his class in 1955.In June of 1958, Rich married Ruth Gatzmayer and this union was blessed with four children. While raising their family, Rich and Ruth owned and operated Rich's U Save in Montevideo until 1978. Rich loved people! He always took time to visit with folks stopping in the grocery store and those asking for home deliveries. With the changing economy, Rich closed the grocery store and drove truck for Western Co-op Transport from 1978 until his retirement in 2000.In June of 1988, Rich married Betty Eddy. He enjoyed car races, fishing and gardening. And, once again, his love of visiting with people was evident the last couple of years as he manned the sweet corn tent in Fiesta Plaza. After a valiant battle with cancer, Rich died on Tuesday afternoon, September 23. He was 71 years old.Rich is survived by his wife Betty, his children: Mike and Sherri Christians of Bay City, Texas, Steve and Debbie Christians, Nancy and Kurt Hendrickson and Mary Jo and Mitch Collins all of Montevideo; 11 grandchildren: Samantha Christians, Ashley Jo Hendrickson, Jenna Hendrickson, Troy Hendrickson, Anne Jo Christians, Collin Christians, Christopher Christians, Lucas Christians, Kayla Collins, Camryn Collins, and Justin Collins; Betty's children: Mike and Marcy Eddy, Robin and Dan Persson, and Steve and Shannon Eddy; 7 step grandchildren: April Eddy, Tony Eddy, Aaron Eddy, Nate Persson, Mistie Persson, Robert Persson, and Miles Eddy; and other extended family.He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, his mother Jennie Manthey, step-father Ervin Manthey, grandfather George Christians.