A Mass of Christian Burial for Joycelynn M. Christensen, 86, of St. Edward were held Thursday, June 13, 2024, at St. Edward Catholic Church in St. Edward.

Rev. Matt Gutowski and Deacon Harlan Long officiated, and interment followed at the parish cemetery.

Joycelynn Marie Christensen, daughter of Tom and Bessie (Seda) Zelazny was born February 26, 1938, in St. Edward, and she passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Cloverlodge Care Center, St. Edward, NE. She received the sacrament of baptism on March 2, 1938, at St. Edward Catholic Church and was confirmed on June 10, 1947, at St. Anthony’s in Cedar Rapids. She attended District #12 Vordy Valley and District #31 before graduating from St. Edward High School. On August 2, 1958, she married Adolph Zabka at St. Edward Catholic Church. The couple lived in California before moving back to St. Edward. They later divorced. She married Wes Christensen on November 13, 1973, in Albion. The couple made their home in St. Edward, NE.

She was blessed with seven children of her own and gained six stepchildren.

Christensen owned Wes’ Bar & Grill for 19 years and cooked at St. Edward school for 19 years. During her time working at the school, she also co-owned Polish Girls Catering Service. She later worked part time at Ampride for eight years.

Christensen was a longtime member of the St. Edward Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society and was the president for four years.

She started the tradition of Beaver Valley Days. She enjoyed visiting and being surrounded by her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Wes Christensen; son: Ric Zabka; daughter-in-law: Deb Zabka; two stepsons: Paul Christensen and Brian Christensen.

Joycelynn Marie Christensen is survived by her six children: Steve (Joan) Zabka of Emily, Minn.; Lynette (Don) Young of Crete; Janell (Brent) Vernon of Wilbur; Charlene (Marty) Reznicek of North Bend; Joleen (Ken) Semler of Lincoln; Lynn (Cy) Hill of Norfolk; daughter-inlaw: Sheila (Keith) Hoshor of St. Edward; four stepchildren: Wes (Brenda) Christensen, Jr. of Hastings; Cheryl (Scot) Bailey of Anita, Iowa; Debra (Dave) Peterson of Norfolk; Karri Christensen of Norfolk; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; along with many nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.

com. Memorials are suggested to the family for a later designation.