George Andrew Christian

George Christian noted Niobrara rancher dies

George Christian, long-time Niobrara businessman and rancher, died Friday, Nov. 20, at Scottsbluff. Memorial service was held at Peet Chapel Tuesday.

George Andrew Christian was born August 9, 1911, at Kirtley, the son of James and Clara Nell Christian. He attended schools in the Indian Creek area and graduated from the Auto Mechanic School in Kansas City, Mo. He and Elsie Smith were married September 3, 1932. Early in his business career Mr. Christian owned and operated a Hudson dealership in Lusk.

The Christians moved to the Fields' ranch on Hat Creek in 1945 where they made their home in the two-story, log building that had once been the Hat Creek store and post office. They operated that ranch for 24 years.

In 1962 Christians built a home on what was originally the Russell Thorpe ranch east of Lusk which was owned by George's father prior to this purchase by George.

George Christian was considered one of the more successful ranch operators in Niobrara County. He pioneered the cross breeding of Angus-Hereford cattle and this cross spread rapidly. Eastern buyers liked these cattle because of their fast gain. Many of his practices such as early calving were followed by other ranchers.

Mr. Christian's hobby was work from sunrise to sunset; to see the new born calves--to see the grass grow-- to help his neighbors--to saddle his horse and to mend a fence, according to his family. His judgment and advice was considered of value to the young and old in the cattle business.

He was a member of the Congregational Church and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

The Rev. Frank Blish officiated at the memorial service. Music was provided by Jane Bardo, organist and Joy Kaltenheuser who sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "I believe."

Active pallbearers were Cody Thompson, Dale Jordan, Rod Geisinger, Bill Coffee, Durl Holtz, Oscar Thompson, William Percival and Henry Wasserburger, Jr.

Honorary bearers were Russ Thompson, Jim Thompson, Paul Percival, Bunny Chard and Dan Jordan.

Memorials have been established in the Cancer Fund.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife Elsie of Lusk; one son Stan of Mariett, Ga.; one daughter, Georgann Law of Colorado Springs, Col.; his mother, Nellie Christian; one sister Edith Culver; one brother Charles; all of Lusk; and four grandchildren.

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