Obituary: Lee Christner, 86, of Ludington

Lee Christner

Obituary: Lee Christner, 86, of Ludington

Lee David Christner, 86, of Ludington passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  Lee was born on April 22, 1937 in Jackson, the son of Herbert and Isabel (Malusky) Christner and was united in marriage to Mary (Campeau) Fulker in 1975.  Lee graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1955 and furthered his education at Michigan State University in engineering.  His education led him to a career of hospital construction management where he oversaw construction of hospitals in 13 different states around the Midwest.  He worked for the prestigious McCarthy Brothers, and Hospital Building and Equipment companies, both based out of St. Louis, Mo.; Alten Design Builders of Chicago; and for Barton Malow in Detroit.  Following his retirement in 1998, Lee and Mary moved to Ludington, enjoying summers in Michigan, and winters in Florida.

In his younger years, Lee was an accomplished pilot and enjoyed fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan.  In his retirement, golfing became his passion where he was a member of Lincoln Hills Golf Club.  Lee was also a member of the American Legion, the Ludington Boat Club, was a life member of the B.P.O.E., and several professional organizations.  He and Mary were fortunate to travel all 50 states and several European countries.

Along with his wife Mary, Lee will be greatly missed by his daughters Brenda Christner, Kimberly (Paul) Bugher, and Lauri (Bruce) Leach; his stepsons Thomas Fulker, and Douglas (Peggy) Fulker; several grandchildren and step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law Connie Terrell, Kathryn Kraus, and Phyllis (Don) Howell; his brother-in-law William (Janet) Campeau; and many nieces, nephews, and great friends made over a lifetime.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Isabel; and his stepson Michael Fulker.

Private family services will be held for Lee at this time with a Celebration of his Life to be held next summer in Ludington.  Lee will be laid to rest next to his parents at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Custer Township.

Those who wish to remember Lee with a memorial donation are asked to consider Wilwin Lodge at Cygnet Cove, c/o The American Legion Dept. of Michigan, 212 N. Verlinden Ave., Lansing, MI 48915.  This organization benefits local veterans at the veterans retreat center in Walhalla, MI.

Please visit Lee’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Lee with his family.