Loren Christian

Loren August Christian passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, December 3 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. 

He was born on June 5, 1940, to August and Louise Christian in New Salem, ND where he grew up on the family farm.

When he was 17 years old, he enlisted and proudly served in the Army from 1957-1960. After completing basic training in Fort Carson, CO, he was stationed at a Nike Missile site in Cudahy, WI. It was in Milwaukee, that he met, fell in love with and married Mary Kathryn Hart. Together they raised three children in Franklin, WI.

From 1960-1986, Loren worked at Bucyrus Erie and really enjoyed his time there. Then in 1986, he returned to New Salem, where he and Mary purchased the Sunset Motel. The motel brought them both great pride and success. It was through their years of dedication that they grew a strong relationship with their customers. It's no surprise that so many continued to remain in touch years after they sold it. 

Loren loved sports. Whether it was playing in his younger years, coaching his son's baseball team, or being a spectator, it was always something he found joy in. He was a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers, and because he lived in North Dakota, he enjoyed the banter with Vikings Fans.

He had an amazing sense of humor. He loved to tease, but was truly the most generous man you'd ever know. He would help out anyone, without any hesitation and never expect a single thing in return.

Loren loved playing cards. He will be missed at the table on Sundays by his brother Randy, daughter Jodi, nieces, nephews and anyone else that happened to pop in that day.

He is survived by his children, LeeAnn (Steve) Sams, Jodi Bergeson, Alan (Nicole) Christian; grandchildren, Kristie (James) Ober, Kari Lindberg, Stephanie (Jordan) Chirillo, Emily Bergeson (Cody), Cooper Christian; Catelyn Christian; great-grandsons, Noah, Henry, August, Oliver; brother, Randy (Linda) Christian; sister-in-law, Sheila Christian and aunt, Bernice Scherer. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Loren was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary; parents, August and Louise; sister and brother-in-law, Ardella and Robert Schwagler; brother, Marlen Christian; nephew, Ethan Hoger; father and mother-in-law, Gene and Ardeen Hart and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Morry and Jean Johnson.

He will be sorely missed by his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he always loved spending time with and teasing.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the New Salem Ambulance and Sanford Hospital Staff for the kind and compassionate care he received.

Although this is a time of incredible sadness, Loren created a lifetime of happy memories with his family and his friends. Did he love all of you?

You betcha.

Donations preferred to the New Salem Ambulance service, 110 5th St N, New Salem ND, 58563.