Werner Peter Christman

Werner Peter Christman, 86, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on June 17th 2023 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Werner, affectionately known as "Chris," was born on January 4, 1937, in Torza, Yugoslavia, to Peter and Margaretha Christman. The family later settled in Youngstown, Ohio, where Werner graduated from Rayen High School in 1955.

Werner began his professional journey as a Tool and Die machinist, and later transitioned to a sales engineer role in the plastics industry. In 1959, he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves with his two cousins, serving his country with honor and distinction. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Diane Nowinski, and they were married the following year.

Werner had a passion for traveling and spending time with family, and he was known for attending most family events. He was a gifted conversationalist who could strike up a conversation with anyone, making friends wherever he went. In his youth, he developed a love for fast, beautiful cars, particularly an Austin Healy, which he drove in amateur race car events.

In 1978, Werner relocated his family to Grayling, Michigan, where he enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of northern Michigan. He started his own businesses, Milltown Tool and Engineering, and later Derwich Industries. Werner formed the Northern Michigan chapter of the Society of Plastics Engineers and served on its board.

Werner is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane, his two sisters, Shirley (Bob) Morrison and Helen (Joe) Sturgeon, his brother Peter (Mark) Christman, his daughter Corrine (Paul) Olson, son Erich (Renee) Christman, daughter Jodie (Rich) Sadjak, son Derrick (Tracy) Christman, five grandchildren, Sarah, Natalie, Billy, Erich, and Emily, and one great grandchild, Erich. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Marlene. The family would like to express their gratitude to T MC Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service to celebrate Werner's life will be held on September 2, 2023, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 710 Spruce Street, Grayling, Michigan. Visitation will be from 12-1 pm, followed by the service at 1:00 pm.

"Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness he was."

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tucson-cremation for the Christman family.