Christine Luft, was born at home on March 31, 1929, to Selma Tietz Luft and David Luft. She was the third of 9 children. The very day after her birth, she was baptized by the traveling pastor, who wouldn’t be returning for several months.

Growing up in the 1930s was challenging. All the children had chores and worked on the farm wherever they were needed. The older girls were always assigned a younger child to care for while their parents were working. Mom was assigned to Roger, one of the twins, and she cherished the lifelong bond she shared with him.

Mom fell in love and married one of the neighbor boys, Eddie Hekkel. This union also brought 9 brothers and sisters-in-law into her life, creating many fun family get togethers. Mom and Dad started their married life in Culbertson, where they welcomed their eldest child, Myrna. After relocating to the farm near McCabe, Claudine was born, followed by Jerry and Larry. The small farmhouse was often filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

After her husband Eddie passed away in 1964, Mom took over his bus route and drove for 22 years before her son Larry took over. She loved all her bus kids and always had a few favorites.

Later, Mom married Ira Jensen, and they continued to reside on the farm until they moved to Culbertson in 1986. They purchased the home that her parents had lived in after leaving their farm. Mom loved tending to her flowers and yard and shoveled her own sidewalks until she was in her 90s.

Christine also enjoyed working at the Culbertson drugstore for many years. She was a very hard worker and couldn’t sit still for very long.

After Ira’s passing, Mom cared for her home and yard, attended Red Hat Ladies, Senior Citizens, Ebenezer Martha Circle, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Later, she formed a truly special bond with Tom Nelson. Despite a stroke that left mom with Aphasia, Tom remained steadfast in offering his unwavering support and assistance in countless ways. Tom passed away on April 24. Sadly, Mom herself passed away on May 27th at Roosevelt Medical Center at the remarkable age of 96.

Christine is lovingly remembered by her children, Myrna (George) Elgee, Claudine (Larry) Hoyer, Jerry Hekkel (Garrison Kurtz), Larry (Beth) Hekkel; as well as numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild; siblings, Hulda Oelkers, Rose Oelkers, Leroy (Agnes) Luft; Roger Luft, Vernon (Liz) Luft, and Beverly Sundheim. Also among her survivors are sisters-in-law, Adeline and Jeanie Hekkel; along with many nieces and nephews.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents;
husbands, Eddie Hekkel, and Ira Jensen, as well as her dear friend, Tom Nelson; sisters, Pauline Waldow and Lorraine Oelkers; and many members of her Hekkel family.