Washington County, WI – Douglas “Doug” S. Christensen was born to Steve and Freda Berg Christensen in Reedley, California, in 1942, after his grandfather was lured to California from Denmark by the real estate market.
Grandfather Christensen purchased a 20-acre vineyard and raised grapes that were destined to become raisins. Doug recalls helping with the field drying operations and is
proud that his grandfather was such a pillar in the community.
When Doug was seven years old, his father deserted the family. He praised his mother for doing a good job of raising and supporting the family of three boys on her own. At the time, it was considered a disgrace to accept welfare, so she worked as a secretary in the insurance industry, until she retired in her mid-70s.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this story on Cedar Community’s Autumn edition of Live More magazine.
