Trace Sannas Christenson III

Trace S. Christenson III, 72, Battle Creek Enquirer justice and public safety reporter, died following a fall down the stairs at his home in Battle Creek on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Trace was born on March 30, 1949, the son of Trace S. and Genevieve (Abney) Christenson, Jr. in Evanston, Illinois.

A native of Niles, Michigan, and a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Trace started at the Sturgis Journal beginning in 1973 and joined the Battle Creek Enquirer as a staff writer and photographer in 1984.

In his 37 years reporting on Battle Creek and its surrounding communities, Christenson won numerous Gannett, Associated Press and Michigan Press Association awards for his reporting and news photography, with his work being featured in publications around the globe.

In his role as justice and public safety reporter, Christenson was notably granted unparalleled access in covering crime and courts through the Battle Creek Police Department, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and the Calhoun County Justice Center.

Between his service in Sturgis and Battle Creek, Trace spent nearly 49 years working as a journalist in southern Michigan.

A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, he enjoyed crewing for hot air balloon teams in his spare time and was an active kayaker and cyclist. Trace along with Karen loved to spend their time together.

He is survived by his loving fiance; Karen Burns of Portage, Michigan, his sister; Genevieve “Cile” (Mark) Nabers of San Antonio, Texas, his nephews; Michael Nabers of San Antonio, Texas and Jeffrey (Rachel) Nabers of Scottsdale, Arizona, his niece; Jessica (Nelson) Schooler of Beaumont, Texas, Karen’s children; Alex (Elizabeth) Genschoreck of Sterling, Virginia, Nicholas (Brooklyn) Genschoreck of Comstock, Michigan, Karli Burns of Portage, Michigan and Megan Burns of Portage, Michigan. Trace was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Trace’s life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Gift of Life Michigan (3861 Research Park Drive Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108) or the Haven of Rest Ministries (11 Green St. Battle Creek, Michigan 49014).

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 2838 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. Please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.