DENNIS CHRISTENSEN
Dennis passed away peacefully at the age of 72 from MDS, Myelodyplastic Syndrome, Leukemia, on January 1, 2022 at home where he was surrounded by the love of his family.
Dennis was born to Willis and Evelyn (Ruch) Christensen in Britton, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church, Kidder, SD. Dennis grew up on a farm in northeastern South Dakota where he enjoyed riding horseback, hunting, fishing and helping with the chores of farm life. He attended school in Havana, ND and Kidder, SD, graduating in 1968 from Havana High School.
Dennis entered the Army in 1968, serving in the United States Army Medical Corp. He served in Vietnam in 1969 & 1970 as a medic on reconnaissance patrols in the Mekong Delta. He was proud to serve his country.
Dennis married Sharon Brakke July 25, 1970, making their home in Grand Forks, ND, until 1972 when they moved to Minneapolis, MN. Dennis started working for GAF Corporation in 1972 and continued with them until retirement in 2010.
Dennis had several hobbiesbut what he loved most was his family and friends. Dennis had a big heart and was a generous person whether he knew you for years or for just a few hours. He was always ready to help whenever anyone was struggling with life; whether it was a visit or monetarily. Dennis prided himself with helping others when the need was there.
Dennis was happiest when he could spend time at the cabin. He liked everything that went with it; the small town atmosphere and rural life, helping the granddaughters and their friends catch crappies, and to take everyone tubing, water skiing, or jet skiing. Dennis enjoyed the beautiful sunny days of summer; he was an avid slalom water skier in his younger days. He enjoyed boating, fishing, bird watching, feeding the hummingbirds, watching the deer in the back yard, firing up the grill and anything having to do with the outdoors.
Spending time with the two granddaughters and watching them grow up was a delight. He didn’t miss any of their sporting events, activities or band/choir concerts. There were also the dance recitals, horseback riding lessons and teaching them how to drive a car
Ḋuring the winter months before retiring, Dennis had a fish house on Mille Lacs Lake for many years and enjoyed the outdoor activities of ice fishing and snowmobiling with family and friends. After retirement he and Sharon spent most winters on the gulf coast at Orange Beach, AL.
To Celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary Dennis and Sharon hosted a Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewaska for 35 people in August, 2021, since there was no celebration for their 50th Wedding Anniversary due to COVID.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon, son Chad (Julie) of Fridley, daughter Teresa (Birch) of Anoka and 2 granddaughters; Violet and Hannah and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis will be deeply missed. He has left an impression on many who love him and those memories will never be forgotten.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Evelyn Christensen and brother, Charles Christensen.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, Feb. 5 at St. Philips Lutheran Church, 6180 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, MN 55432. 1 pm is the visitation with lunch following the funeral. Internment will take place at a later date at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Havana, ND.
Condolences may be directed to: Sharon Christensen, 6220 Rice Creek DR NE, Fridley, MN 55432.
If so desired, memorials preferred in Dennis Christensen’s name to: Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Association, 10062 432nd Ave, Havana, ND 58043, or to St. Philips Lutheran Church Music Department, Fridley, MN 55432 or to SACA Food Shelf, 627 38th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421.