Rick Christian, Sr., a devoted family man and a pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, just two days shy of his 72nd birthday.

Rick was born on September 5, 1953, in Racine, Wisconsin. He was raised in a large family that extended through the southern Wisconsin area. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jolynn Christian, on December 28, 1972, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. In 1985, he and Jolynn relocated to Spooner, Wisconsin, where they celebrated 53 years of marriage. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Together, they raised three children: Theresa, Rick Jr., and Chrissy. He was a proud and loving grandfather to his eight grandchildren: Charley, Colt, Levi, Grace, Benjamin, Jayde, Luke and Gwen.

Rick's life was a testament to his love for his family and community. His green thumb was legendary and he was very proud of his massive garden, in which he loved working. He grew large colossal pumpkins that became cherished gifts for his kids and grandkids. Rick had a deep love for music, often playing his guitar and singing for his family and friends. He was often invited to share his gift of music at special events, where his performances brought joy to many. For many years, he was the leader of his band, the Kountry Kwenchers, in which his wife Jolynn also played. This passion for music was passed down and is now shared by several of his grandchildren. He also found great joy in working on and rebuilding vehicles, a hobby he approached with skill and dedication.

Rick also had a profound love for animals, especially horses. He instilled this love in his children and grandchildren, teaching them so much about caring for animals. He would often take in sick or injured animals on their hobby farm, nursing them back to health with deep care and compassion. Rick never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. During the holidays, he would secretly gather food and gifts for families in need then deliver it to their homes without anyone knowing. He was an active member of the local 4-H clubs and the Heart of the North Rodeo Committee. He was honored to be named the 2010 Rodeo Committee Person of the year. His faith was central to his life, and he was a dedicated member of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church. A proud veteran, he was also a member of the American Legion and the Amvets, where he served on their Honor Guard.

Rick is deeply missed by his wife, Jolynn; his children, Theresa (Ricardo) Briggs, Rick (Melissa Marvelle) Christian, Jr., and Chrissy (Jake) Ihfe; and his grandchildren, Benjamin and Luke Briggs, Charley and Colt Christian, and Levi, Grace, Jayde, and Gwen Ihfe. He is further missed by his loving siblings: brothers Joe (Bette) Christian, Don (Shelly) Christian, Tom Christian, and David (Kim) Christian; and sisters Linda (Greg) Shain, Debra (Greg) Holbus, Lisa (Wayne) Sorensen, and Sandy (Tom) Boehler. He will also be fondly remembered by a large number of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, David and Patricia Christian; brother Bobby Christian; sister Kathy Weigand; brother-in-law Don Weigand; sister-in-law Michelle Christian; aunt Judy Jung; uncle Fritz Jung; niece Julie Christian and nephew Mark Weigand, his best friend Ron Tetrault, and many others that he loved.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Dove Healthcare and Regional Hospice for their compassionate care.

Rick lived a full life, bringing joy to so many. He was deeply loved and will be forever in our hearts.

A visitation will be held at the Spooner Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 PM, on Monday, September 8, 2025. A funeral mass with be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 9, at 1:00 PM with a visitation one hour prior. A burial with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, September 10, at 2:00 PM. Pallbearers for Rick’s service will be: Rick Christian, Jr., Ricardo Briggs, Jake Ihfe, Justin Shain, Colt Christian, Levi Ihfe, Benjamin Briggs, and Luke Briggs, and honorary bearers will be Joe Christian and Dave Christian.

Last Update: Sep 08, 2025 9:06 am CDT