Arden G. Christen

Dr. Arden G. Christen, 90, Indianapolis, passed away December 30, 2022. He was born in Lemmon, SD to Harold John and Dorothy (Taylor) Christen. Artie met his wife, Joan in Brookings, SD at a dance and waited 3 years before they married September 10, 1955, in Veblen, SD. They had four children together, Barbara Brunetti, Penny Sallee, Rebecca Freed, and Sarah Johnson. He served in the United States Air Force Dental Corps for 24 years, retiring in 1980. He went on to become a full-time dental school faculty member at IUPUI School of Dentistry and was an author of many medical and dental journal articles and books. He was the co-director of the IU Nicotine Dependence Program at Fairbanks Addiction Hospital and was a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society. After his retirement, he was perfectly happy watching the squirrels and relaxing at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Alta Christen, and brother, Charles, and daughter, Rebecca. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Joan A. Christen, children, Barbara Brunetti, Penny (Kenneth) Sallee, and Sarah (Darryl) Johnson, 11 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, sister, Dianne (Lonnie) Helfenstein. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St Ste 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278. Visitation will be held 10-12pm Saturday January 14th at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis. Funeral services will begin there at 12pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.