Christine Kay Barenberg

Christine Kay Barenberg was born to Walter Stephen and Sharon Ann (Maranville) Barenberg on June 14, 1965, in Benkelman, NE and passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in her home, in Benkelman, NE. She was 60 years old.

Chris attended school in Benkelman and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1983. She was very active and involved in school. She spent many hours behind home plate as catcher for the softball team. She was on the drill team dance squad and played volleyball. Her biggest passion in life was music. She played two instruments, the trumpet and piano. She was often asked to play Taps at local military funerals, and she played the organ at church. Her musical talent also included singing. She was in the school and church choir and was often asked to sing at weddings and funerals.

Her summers were spent helping on the family farm and her favorite time of the year was wheat harvest. The whole family would return home to help. Having everyone back and working together made her smile. She was also very kind and let her little brother operate the air-conditioned combine while she enjoyed getting a tan under the one with the umbrella.

After graduation, Chris moved to Lincoln, NE to attend the Lincoln School of Commerce. Chris married Jamey Hansen in 1985. The couple made their home in the Lincoln, NE area for several years. During this time, Chris worked for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Peters and Chunka law firm, and Lincoln Plating. They welcomed their first daughter Taylor to the family. The family decided to move to McCook, NE. Chris began work at the radio station KIOD-Coyote Country in McCook and found her niche in sales and marketing. One could often hear her voice on the radio supporting local businesses. The family then welcomed 2 more daughters, Faith, and Riley and one son, Hunter. As the kids got older Chris would bring them down to voice ads paying them in doughnuts from Sehnerts Bakery. Chris was an active member of the McCook Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed time at the lake with family and friends. Chris continued her career in sales and marketing as she took a job with KRVN-Nebraska’s rural radio network. She made friends wherever she went.

In 1996, Walter Barenberg, Chris’ dad, passed away suddenly. She was heartbroken. He was her rock. The two would often play music together, Chris on piano and Walt on the violin. They loved to play Silent Night at Christmas. After Chris and Jamey divorced in 2015, Chris moved back to Benkelman to be closer to her family.

Christine was preceded in death by her Father Walter S. Barenberg, her Grandparents Loyd and Eleanor Maranville, Joe and Fannie Barenberg. Her Uncle Lawrence & Aunt Adele Richard, Uncle Jerry & Aunt Josephine Preston, Uncle Jim and Aunt Marilyn Lancaster, Cousins Dana Webster, Julie Preston, and Wes Cobb.

She is survived by her Mother Sharon A. Barenberg of Benkelman, NE, her children Taylor (Brock) Stewart of Omaha, NE, Faith (Mitchell) Fagan of Hampton, NE, Riley Hansen and Hunter Hansen both of Lincoln, NE. Her Brother Steve (Stacy) Barenberg of McCook, NE, Sister Connie (Matt) Kamla of Milton, FL, Brother Don (Sandy) Barenberg of Broken Bow, NE, Sister Carla (Dave) Orrell, of Gretna, NE. Uncle Tom & Aunt Patsy Maranville of Benkelman, NE. 5 Nieces, 3 Nephews, 5 great-Nieces and 3 great-Nephews. Cousins Judy (Eric) Spady of Bayfield, CO, Dixie Cobb of Lincoln, NE, Kent (Patty) Richard, Lincoln, NE, Jeff (Carolyn) Preston, Benkelman, NE, Jason (Cindy) Preston, Alpine, AL, Sherri (Wayne) Jackson of Littleton, CO and many other family and friends.

A Rosary will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benkelman, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM, June 23, 2025 with interment to follow at Benkelman Cemetery.