Donald “Don” D. Christensen
September 7, 1933 ~ March 31, 2020
Don D. Christensen, 86, Sioux Falls, died Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
A private burial will happen at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Due to the ongoing virus crises, No Public Viewing or Services are planned at this time but a Memorial Service will be planned for the future. Any Sympathy cards or condolences for the family of Don, can be mailed to Heartland Funeral Home, PO Box 451, Brandon, SD 57005. Also, the family requests no flowers.
Donald “Don” D. Christensen was born September 7, 1933 to Clarence and Ida (Olson) Christensen in a house in Flandreau, SD. He attended several country schools in South Dakota throughout the years. He grew up farming with his Dad, Mom and siblings. Don worked at John Morrell’s in Sioux Falls from 1951 to 1989 until he retired. He worked part time at Hope Lutheran Church for 7 years until retirement. He worked at Menards for 4 years until retirement. He drove cars for Billion Automotive for 3 years and then decided to spend the remaining of his life with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In 1953, he was introduced to the love of his life Ethel Moeller at the age of 19 when they went on a blind date. He was united in marriage to the love of his life on June 7th, 1953 at East Side Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. He lived in Sioux Falls with his wife and children. He was blessed with 3 sons and two daughters. He was a very dedicated Son, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend.
Don enjoyed being part of the Sioux Land Goldwing Club, Member of Morrell’s Union, Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Fighter, Wayne Township Constable, member of the VFW Auxiliary and a member at St John Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls where he enjoyed ushering. He enjoyed time with family and friends, mowing his yard, and tilling gardens. He was full of life and always had something to say. He was always able to find someone who knew wherever he went which caused quick trips to the stores lengthier than expected. He cherished the life he had with his family and would do anything he could to help anyone in need. He enjoyed his time with the love of his life when they went to WeFest and traveled south for the winter. He welcomed everyone into his family with open arms. He loved driving his motorhome, motorcycle, camping, attending his grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and school events.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 66 years Ethel (Moeller) Christensen Sioux Falls, SD; Fur baby Son Gunner; son Michael (Diane) Christensen, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Lori (Thomas) Henle, Sioux Falls, SD; and son Kerry (Lori) Christensen Sioux Falls, SD; Special Niece Marilyn Griffith, Lake St Louis, MO; 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many additional bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ida; two children, Donald Jr, and infant daughter, Angela; brothers, Harry, Harold, Orville, and Virgil; and sisters, Ethel, Margaret, Margie, Mildred, and Marvelle.
Don had a contagious smile and a kind heart. I did so enjoyed working with him at Hope Lutheran. I pray Jesus will comfort you and all those who were touched by Don’s life. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Don was a special person. He always greeted you with that great smile.
Dave and Jolynn Petersen
Don and Wife were good friends with my parents. I would see them shopping once in awhile. Don or his wife would always say Hello to any of us Karlson kids. A really nice guy. You will be missed Don.
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. You are a very loving, thoughtful, and close knit family.
So sorry to hear about Don. Our love and hugs are with you and the entire family. Many great memories we will always hold on to…Love You Ruby.
Don was a joy to be around, he always made my day. Its hard to know just what to say at this sad time because your loss is so great and because Don will be missed in so many ways.
Father, I pray be with Ethel, family and love ones through this difficult time. Hold them close to you, help them to feel your presence, and bring them peace. We pray this in your Son’s precious name AMEN.
Hugs, prayers and love being sent your way.
Dave Otteman
Ethel and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He was a great guy. I worked at Hope Lutheran Church with Don. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help out. He always had a smile. He brought me a church mouse once he caught and stood right by me in staff meeting. He wanted me to know he caught is which was great but I am deadly afraid of mice living or dead. So asked him next time not to show me just tell me if he caught a mouse. He knew I hated mice so when I left my position at Hope Lutheran Church I’m pretty sure it was Don who made sure I was given a church mouse (stuffed). Great guy so sorry for your loss.