Christian Junior Lund, 94, was born on June 17, 1931, to Christian and Greta Minnich Lund in Sherwood, N.D. Joining his older brother Harlan.
He passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on Dec. 7, 2025, in Miles City, Mont., a fitting day since he was a proud Army veteran.
When he was 4, his father passed away after an accident on the farm. With the help of a friend, his mother moved to Miles City and opened the Penguin Ice Cream Shop. In 1935 Greta married Ray Lundby. Ray Jr. joined the family in 1940, followed by sister Maureen a year later.
Growing up his love of farming often saw him go back to work for an uncle in North Dakota. But as he got older he also worked at a gas station in Miles City so he could put gas in his vehicles, one of which was a pretty hot motorcycle. One nice day as Chris cruised the streets dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt with a pack of smokes rolled up in his sleeve, wind blowing his hair back, he caught the eye of a shy freshman girl, who all but made an instant decision.
Four years later, four days after her 18th birthday, Cpl. Lund married Betty Colleen Fadhl on Dec. 13, 1952.
After a few service adventures, Chris, who was stationed in Arizona, Alaska and California during the Korean War, and Betty returned to Miles City. He did stay in contact with some of his Army buddies all their lives and even made one godfather to their first child.
Chris soon went to work with his father-in-law John Fadhl on his farm at Rock Springs. During that time their daughter Lori, in 1954, and twins Jerry and Janice, 1956, were born. Shortly after the twins started school the family moved into town.
Eventually Chris began farming for Freda & Fred Schott and over the years he eventually ended up buying their land. It was where his son Jerry farmed and now his granddaughter Breanna lives with her family.
Chris farmed back in the day when they farmed 12 feet at a time, about a fifth of what is done today, a reference to the size of machinery. In addition to being an extremely successful farmer, he worked a wide range of jobs in the wintertime, at least when he and Betty weren’t playing cards with next door neighbors Dominic and Faye Ruffato. Chris was instrumental in bringing telephone service to the north country. He also leased land to Custer County for the country school, charging the exorbitant price of $1 a year, which he no doubt dropped on the teacher’s desk.
Later in life he fulfilled his dream of getting his pilot’s license. Flying became his passion and he hosted fly-ins at the farm on Dead Man’s Road.
Chris never really retired. When his son took over, he was out in the country almost every day, just to see if it rained or if the crops had started to come up or if it was about time to harvest or to see how the harvest was going or to see how the harvest went, always wanting to help.
Tragically Chris and Betty lost their son Jerry to a plane accident during the 2004 harvest. But Chris continued his non-retirement routine with his leasees and granddaughter until just days before he passed.
When he wasn’t watching the grass grow or checking to see if the dirt was still there as his family liked to tease him, he would fly his plane as long as his health allowed or hit the road to sightsee or visit family with Betty or a friend. Once Betty passed in 2013, he continued to wander, always to return to his beloved farmland.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Betty, son Jerry, and brothers Harlan and Ray. He is survived by his sister Maureen, daughters Lori (Dave)Trimmer and Janice Lund, grandchildren Garrett Trimmer, Blake (Kris) Trimmer, Christopher Young, Travis Young and Breanna (Tyler) Harbaugh, great grandsons Jerry Harbaugh and Parker Trimmer and close friend Jo Beaty.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 with family receiving friends from 4-6 p.m. at Stevenson’s Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment with full military honors will follow at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Jerry Lund Memorial Scholarship at Stockman Bank or the Range Riders Museum.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 12, 2025
First Lutheran Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 12, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 11, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 12, 2025
First Lutheran Church
512 Cale Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 12, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Carolyn Kimball says
Sorry to see that Chris has passed. Known him a long time and I enjoyed seeing him at church. My condolences.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Prayers for Chris’s family. Doug and I enjoyed visiting with him this summer when he would ride his scooter over for a visit. Long time neighbor. May the hole in your hearts be filled with memories of Chris. He so loved holiday family.
Maureen Kay Daley says
My cousins Chris and Betty were such kind people. They always made you feel welcomed. Their love of family and sense of humor set a positive example. Knowing them made my life richer. My thoughts and prayers are with Lori, Janice, and all of their family.
Love, Maurie Kay
Maureen Kay Daley says
Cousins Chris and Betty were such kind people. They made everyone feel welcomed. Their love of family and sense of humor were a positive example. Knowing them made my life richer. My thoughts and prayers are with Lori, Janice, and all their families.
Love, Cousin Maurie Kay
Farron carlson says
Sorry to hear of Chris passing he was well liked and loved by everyone who new him.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy. Was always happy to see him.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
To Chris’s family,
So very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed visiting with Chris. What a good man. Rest in peace Chris. Prayers to all the family at this difficult time.
mark nielsen says
Tyler and Breanna and family I am soo sorry for your loss, Prayers to all. May he rest in peace.
DeRene Ruffatto Garcia says
I have so many unforgettable memories growing up living next door to the Lund’s. They are family, I was so fortunate to have 2 very loving homes while growing up. That also meant more eyes on me as a teenager..
I remember Chris teaching me how to play cards, (when I pretended to be sick) so I could stay home from school with him. Chris and Jerry teaching me how to ride a horse, then teaching me how to drive. Too many cherished memories to recount. He will now be in Heaven with his wife and son, and playing cards (Chris’s game) with my parents again. May they all rest in peace.
My love, thoughts and prayers are with the family, I am with you in spirit.
Debbie Fadhl Nolan says
Sending caring thoughts your way.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Chris and Betty were the best!!! They were there for anyone that need boost or a day brightner! God bless them!!!
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Goodbye, Chris, my longtime friend. To the Lund family, you are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Leo was a great friend to everyone, and Chris was someone who always brought joy and happiness to those fortunate enough to be in his company. He will be deeply missed in the community, especially on the north side. Chris, God bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you go.
Eileen Entzel says
Thoughts and Prayers to all of Chris family at this difficult time. Make he rest in peace.
Molstad Family says
The many memories are a treasure to hold close. Our sympathy in the loss of your beloved father/grandfather.
Chris says
I am so sad about Chris passing. I so enjoyed him. He was someone very special.
Diana Elwood says
My condolences to all the family, you will be in my prayers. May God be with all of you and help you thru this hard time.
Craig Carr says
So sorry for your loss.
Looks like he had a full and wonderfull life.
No wonder you turned out so well😘
The Liftos says
Good Bye Chris ! You Will Be Sadly Missed, No more stories to share , no more dinner dates- no more Airpark Drs.runs with Franie ( the dog). When you get to the golden gates find Silas he’ll be happy to see you
Deborah Stoltz Richardson says
Chris and my father, Frank Stoltz, were friends and I was able to share that friendship. They both had a common interest in flying airplanes and they shared living the life of a pilot. I will always remember the many times Chris and my father would sit and visit–either about farming or about airplanes. Chris had a never-ending smile that was warm and friendly.
My sincere condolences to the family. I will miss being able to visit with Chris.
Jim and Anita Scheeler says
Sorry for your loss of your father. He was a wonderful man who loved his family so much! He is with his wife and son now farming and enjoying his eternal life. We will miss his sweet smile and kindness.Prayers and comfort to you all.
Lee Spears says
I remember Chris and Johnny Fadhl farming when I was in grade school in the early Spring, freezing, open air tractors, tractor cabs weren’t much used then. Rest easy, Chris.
Kathryn Pagans says
Chris saved my day when the timing belt broke on my car on the way to school way back in the late 70’s! It was around the end of the red hills. I sat there all day until around 1 or 2! He was heading to the ranch and gave me a ride back to his place where I called mom and she came and got me! It was a very slow road back then! God bless to all his kinfolk and friends.
Bob Fuller says
Our thoughts, prayers, sympathy go to all of you. Chris was a very nice person and will be missed by all. He never missed stopping to see us or call when he came to Minot. We will miss his visits. We were able to watch the funeral on line and be with all of you. Jerri and Bob Fuller
Kent Fandrich says
Lori, Janice and Breanna we were shocked when we heard the news. Chris was great neighbor. He always made me feel important even when there wet only adults around. He and Betty were always friends with my parents. From working on the lawn to neighborhood parties he always had a smile for everyone. Sometimes he and dad would stand outside and talk for hours. He will be missed. Let the memories remain in your heart.
Patsy Davis says
So long, my friend, Chris! I always enjoyed our visits and coffee down at B & C Oil over the years, and usually at Gallagher’s since I retired!
Chris was such a sweet guy and always had time for a chat!