Albert Sommar Christensen

Albert Sommar Christensen

Albert Sommar Christensen, 85, died at Northern Montana Care Center, of natural causes Sunday morning, Aug. 5.

His memorial service will be 11 a. m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at the Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Zerger officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the service. Memorial contributions in Al's honor may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church, 417 20th St., Havre, MT 59501. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Albert Sommar Christensen was born on May 2, 1927, north of Havre to James Sommar and Mary (Kjos) Christensen. He attended Loman School north of Havre until seventh grade and graduated from the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind in Great Falls in 1942.

Al married Velma Elaine Halvorson of Maddock, N.D., in 1954. Al worked for Enterprise News in Havre for several years, and then worked for Safeway. He also worked for the Great Falls Tribune in semi-retirement until he retired in 2008.

Al enjoyed motorcycles and cars, going for long drives, black cocker spaniels and working with wood.

Al was preceded in death by his son, James Nels Christensen; his brother, James Winter Christensen; nephew, Richard Paugh; and his beloved dog, Blackie.

Al is survived by his wife of 58 years, Velma Christensen of Havre; daughters, Sonia (Dave) Meccage of Baker, Mont., and Marit (John) Ita of Havre; grandchildren, Ryan Meccage and Mary Meccage of Bozeman, Chris Meccage of Baker, Mont., Hanna (Nick) Pancheau of Billings, Drue Ita of Schertz, Texas, Taylor Ita of Billings, and Abigail Ita of Bozeman; sister, Evelyn Paugh; brother-in-law, John Paugh; niece, Vicki (Rich) O'Leary of Havre; and nephew James Vold of Renton, Wash.