Ron Christenson

Ron Christenson, a proud Indiana farm boy and a man of boundless curiosity, deep community devotion, and quiet strength, passed away on February 25, 2026, at the age of 71. He was born on September 2, 1954, in St. Anne, Illinois, to JR and Mary (Anderson) Christenson and lived a life as rich and rooted as the farmland he loved.

Ron was a farmer first — as his father and grandfathers had been before him — and that identity never left him, no matter how far his career would take him away from it. Over the years, he built a life’s work that spanned grain storage elevator ownership, agricultural chemical sales and transport, and ultimately, a passion that defined his later years: contracting for the National Parks. In each chapter, he brought the same honest work ethic instilled in him from boyhood.

It was at the Newton County Fair, through 4-H and showing of Black Angus cattle, that Ron met the love of his life, Dawn Molson. The two married and built a family and a life together, and though Dawn preceded him in death in 2020 after his loving care for her during her fight with cancer, those who know Ron know that she remained with him always. He is survived by their three children — Jessica Christenson of London, England, Lara Christenson (husband Ed Gable) of Brownsburg, Indiana, and Joshua Christenson of Rensselaer, Indiana — all of whom he was immensely proud. Ron is also survived by his brother, Wyatt (wife Connie) Christenson of Lake Village, Indiana, and his sister, Tricia Schroeder (husband Bryan) of Wisconsin.

Ron’s pride and unconditional love for his children was something he wore openly. He raised them with a fierce belief in academics, learning, and hard work from an early age — values that took root. All three attended Purdue University, and both of his daughters earned MBAs. He considered this one of the great achievements of his life.

Ron was a cornerstone of his community. As President of the North Newton Athletic Boosters, he led with creativity and energy, spearheading creative new event like the beloved Touchdown Rally in coordination with the student body. As the defensive coach of North Newton’s football team, he formed lifelong friendships with fellow coaches and the families of the players he mentored — bonds that would last well beyond the field.

Away from work and the sidelines, Ron was a voracious reader with a particular love of history — ancient Rome, the Second World War, and political history captivated him. But Ron didn’t just read about history; he experienced it. He traveled to Italy several times to see major Roman sites, made the journey to Hadrian’s Wall at Rome’s northernmost border, and was, right up until his final days, planning a trip to follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill. It was this kind of intellectual curiosity that he passed on to his children.

Ron loved Indiana. He loved the land, the seasons, and the people. He loved being a farm boy — and in a sense, he never stopped being one. He leaves behind children who carry his values, a community that is better for his presence, and a legacy of hard work and intellectual curiosity.

Ron’s family is planning a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. (CST) at 839 E. 250 N, Morocco, Indiana 47963.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the cremation arrangements.