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Obituary: John Charles Christen

John C. Christen, 75, of Cloquet passed away peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2022, in Morgan Park.

He was born Oct. 15, 1946, in Duluth, the son of John W. and Theresa (Lovich) Christen.

John graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1965 and served two tours with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He later started a variety of businesses, including the Esko Garbage Service and Touch of Class (now called the River Inn), and in 1984 he started Creative Colors and Christen Building.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Daniel and David Christen; and one nephew, Scott Seiler.

He is survived by his children, Aimee (Michael) Santoriello, Daniel (Corina) Christen, and Matthew Christen; stepdaughters, Lindsay (Joe) Williams and Katie Hansen; grandchildren, Lukas, Michael, Brooke, Tyler, Luke, Allison, Deja, Marcus, Rayshawn, Gianna and Emily; great-grandchildren, Addyson, Ellie, Patrick, and Ava; his former wife and dear friend, Cheryl (Joe) Jaros; one sister, Patricia Seiler; one brother, Steven Christen; two aunts, Delores "Dolly" Dutmer and Janice (Pete) Nelson; and nieces and nephews Kimberly, April, Bert, Matthew, Nicholas and Aaron.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Friday, May 13 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet with a luncheon throughout the celebration. Military honors will be accorded at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment service will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Duluth at 3 p.m.

Pine Knot News May 6, 2022