Mostly Clear, 62° F
Donald Lee Christensen, 92, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2024.
Don was born Sept. 7, 1931 in Powell, Wyoming, as the eldest son to Arthur (Art) and Audrey (Rimbey) Christensen. He graduated from Powell High School (’49), where he met his soon to be wife. On Oct. 4, 1952, Don married Gloria Lorraine Case. Their marriage began while he was serving in the military as a 3rd class petty officer. During the Korean War, he was a boiler tender on the U.S.S. Arnold J. Isbell DD 869. When asked about his active duty in the Navy, Don could always recall the precise timeframe “three years, 10 months and 20 days!” After honorable discharge, he made his way back to Wyoming.
Don farmed the same land that his grandfather and father homesteaded nearly a century earlier in 1928. He raised cattle, horses, barley, alfalfa and sugar beets. He and his wife, Gloria, also raised three children (Lori, Scott, Jodi) on West Willwood. Prior to retiring, Don worked a few years at Park County Weed & Pest. He preferred being outdoors, and enjoyed campfire cookouts, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. Later in life, Don transitioned away from his two-wheel motorcycle antics in the McCullough Peaks to riding a four-wheel ATV with his companion, Willie Bell, and many other longtime friends.
Don is survived by daughter Jodi (Shawn) Byrne of Billings, son-in-law Randy Lohrenz of Powell and daughter-in-law Becky Christensen of Sheridan. One of his greatest joys were his grandchildren; Lorissa Hoppe (Norm), Robbi Welch (Yancy), Jami Shatto (Tyson), Erika Byrne and Carly Byrne. Grandpa always initiated memorable bear hugs and strong handshakes. He also loved to laugh and tease with several great-grandchildren. He was appreciative of the care provided by Billings Rehab & Nursing Center and realized how fortunate it was to have a special ‘angel on earth’ watch over him every single work day. Don was preceded in death by his wife (Gloria), eldest daughter (Lori), son (Scott) as well as his parents (Art and Audrey) and brothers (Ed and Rod).
Cremation has taken place. Please join us for a casual remembrance luncheon at the Elks Club, 581 N. Clark, Powell, Wyoming between 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Tipping his cowboy hat, it’s easy to imagine Don encouraging us to raise a favorite beverage for a toast celebrating his long, memory-filled life.
