Joseph Christner, 93, of Iowa City, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at his home following a brief illness. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at First Mennonite Church in Iowa City. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for 1st Mennonite Church. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Joseph “Joe” Christner was born Sept. 24, 1928, in Sharon Center, Iowa, the son of Abner and Charlotte (Brenneman) Christner. He attended Sharon #2 rural school. In 1949, he was united in marriage to Ruth Stark, the couple later divorced. Joe worked in maintenance at the Iowa State Highway Department. In 2001 he was united in marriage to Mildred O’Connor in Iowa City. Mildred passed in December of 2013. Joe was a member of First Mennonite Church in Iowa City and enjoyed bowling.
Survivors include six children: Merle (Irina) Christner of Dallas, Texas, Nancy Shannon of Iowa City, Theodore Christner of Iowa City, Kaylene Christner of Weaverville, Calif., Curtis (Petra) Christner of Warner Robins, Ga., and Glenda (James) Demorst of Jacksonville, Fla.; two stepchildren: Renee Van Hoe of Marengo and Patricia O’Connor of Marion; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Preceding Joe in death were his parents; both of his wives; his daughter: Charlotte Jamison; great-grandson: Alexander Avery; his sister: Esther Fuller; and two brothers: George and Alvin Christner.
