Don M. Christensen

1929 - 2018

Don M Christensen
1929~2018
Millcreek, UT-Don M Christensen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 8, 2018, at home beside his sweetheart, his wife of 64 years, Arda Jean Warnock Christensen.
He was born on January 3, 1929, in Hinckley, Utah, to Joseph and Lula Payne Christensen. Though a child of the Great Depression, he started his life with exuberance, confidence, and a million dreams. When his father succumbed to cancer, he and his siblings, Grant, Garn and Verna, found creative ways to support the family and fund LDS missions for all three of the boys. Don served for nearly three years in Finland, learning Finnish as only Finnish babies and LDS missionaries are able to do.
He met Arda Jean, his "honey" and the light of his life, shortly after his return home, and their great love story began. They were married on October 8, 1953, in the Manti Temple and became the parents of eight children.
After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he attended BYU while beginning his career as a home builder. Don and Arda Jean relocated to Salt Lake City where, with five children, they soon outgrew their two-bedroom duplex. They prayerfully considered different locations and felt impressed to build a house on Olive Drive in Millcreek, which became their beloved home for the next 57 years.
He developed great entrepreneurial skills, establishing his business, Construction Realty, and building many homes and apartment buildings along the Wasatch Front. However, to paraphrase Charles Dickens, mankind was his business. The dealings of his trade were but a drop of water in the ocean of his business.
He lived a life of service to others. As an outgrowth of his efforts as a bishop to help ward members, he and Arda Jean authored several books on marriage, parenting, and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Honoring his father's counsel to give to every worthy cause, he was always happy to help those in need. His generosity to family and friends helped many weather adversity or take important steps forward. Significant contributions to BYU and numerous scholarships enabled many to further their education.
Dedication to God and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were hallmarks of his life. Willing to do "anything to build the Kingdom," he served as Scoutmaster, elders' quorum president, bishop, high councilor, counselor in the stake presidency, and as stake patriarch. Many of his grandchildren also received their patriarchal blessing under his hands. He served as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for twelve years. He and Arda Jean served a mission in Rumford, Maine, where he served as branch president. They loved the local members and built up the branch. They also served missions in Salt Lake Inner City and Winder 6th Ward.
His optimistic nature was infectious, and his sense of fun led the family on many adventures. Taking gypsy trips through Southern Utah, riding rollercoasters, visiting the Kabben, snowmobiling, boating, and horseback riding are treasured family memories. More recently the family met for yearly family reunions, which included Church history sites and Aspen Grove. Don always made sure these highly-anticipated gatherings provided opportunities for daily devotionals that nurtured testimonies.
He was devoted to his children and their beloved companions: Jean and Rolf Dixon, Jolene and William Dew, Mary and Kyle Latimer, Martin, late wife Sherri, and Michelle Christensen, Evan and Sonja Christensen, Rachel and Jeremiah Clark, Glenn and Angela Christensen, and Ruth and Jeff Hocker. He adored and was adored by his 43 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. He found special joy in the new crop of toddlers who climbed on his knee, hugged him, and called him "Poppa."
Dad, Grampa, Poppa, we miss you and joyfully anticipate the next family reunion.
Friends and family may call at a viewing on Sunday, July 22, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Salt Lake Winder Stake Center, 4366 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held in the same location at 11:00 am on Monday, July 23. A brief viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to services. He will be interred in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Memorial Holladay~Cottonwood Mortuary. Memories may be shared at www.memorialutah.com