In memory of

John William (Bill) Christensen

Nov 10, 1931
Feb 16, 2020

Obituary

John William (Bill) Christensen, at the age of 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family in Salem, Oregon on Sunday, February 16, 2020.

Bill was born in Roosevelt Utah, November 10, 1931 to William Johnson and Violet Eva Francis. He grew up with his mother and stepfather (Marion Christensen) in Vernal, Utah. He later met Lydia “Marlene” Christensen and married her on April 30, 1951 in Salt Lake City, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They lovingly welcomed 9 children into their family.

Bill joined the US Marine Corps in 1950 where he served for three years, and then joined the Air Force and retired 17 years later. He trained pilots and was also responsible for repairing and maintaining flight simulators. He then went on to work for the State of Oregon as an electrician. Once he retired from the State of Oregon, he continued working as a private contractor.

He was a proud member of the Siletz Indian Tribe, and he enjoyed cultural events that celebrated that heritage.

This kind and loving man is survived by his wife “Marlene”, his daughter Rebecca Gamble, (Richard), Lorna Johnson, Laurie Christensen, his sons Jay Christensen, Randy Christensen, Rex Christensen (Tamra), and Gary Christensen (Mary). His brothers Paul, Merritt, Garth, and Nick. He was preceded in death by his daughters Pamela Christensen, and Jeanette Pistorius, his brother Carl, his sisters Hattie Jo, and Francis. He has 34 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

He spent his life guided by the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ. He loved to serve others and to be surrounded by his family. He had a sure testimony of Jesus Christ and a willingness to share it with everyone he came in contact with. He was a devout and steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He taught Seminary while living in Texas and California, and he served in many capacities in his faith. He was a friend to all, and no one was a stranger. He never failed to bring laughter to those who needed it and could crack a joke to make anyone and everyone feel at ease. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humor, selflessness, and above all else, his infectious smile.

Service Information

Funeral Service
Saturday February 22, 2020 11:00 AM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2530 Boone Rd SE, Salem, OR 97306

Viewing from 9:30-11:00

~Bill will be laid to rest following the service at the Siletz Tribal Cemetery~

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Muriel Liggett says:

    I love Bill and Marlene! My special love to my precious Visiting Teacher Marlene at this time.

  2. Janelle Tingey says:

    I had Bro. Christensen for early morning seminary in Salem and he always brought such energy and love. He will be missed!

  3. Scott & Kelly Christensen says:

    Uncle Bill always seemed to be working when we visited. However he always had time to spend time with us when we came over to visit the cousins; joking, laughing, and giving insight into family history. During those teen years of my life, I loved hanging out, learning, and greatly appreciated the time he spent with us. God bless Aunt Marlene and the entire family during this difficult time. We hold you in our prayers.

  4. Mary says:

    To the family, my sincere condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that God promises to end all suffering. Before long, God will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away.”(Rev. 21:3,4). May this promise from God give you comfort now and a real hope for the future. My deepest sympathy.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Bill will be truly missed. He welcomed us and many to their home through the years. I will miss his smile and stories he always told.

  6. Carl and Bonnie Taylor says:

    Bro. Christensen always treated us with kindness and friendliness. Condolences to his family.

  7. Loretta Craford says:

    Bill was our home teacher for several years. He and Marlene were so caring and thoughful to everyone.

  8. Dennis Pearson and family says:

    Sorry for ur loss
    God bless u all in this time of sorrow.

  9. Elaine Nicolaysen Miles says:

    Bill always had a smile and a happy disposition. It was nice to see him a few times when he was down here in Arizona. He will be missed, but oh, what a reunion he is having!

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    Bill always had a smiling face in church on Sundays. We are honored to serve this great man. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.

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