Donald Martin Christensen

1931 - 2018

Donald Martin Christensen Jr. passed away in Lake Stevens, WA, at the age of 87 on Saturday, June 16 2018, at his home which he has shared with his wife and family since 1974. Donald is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Eleanor Christensen. He is lovingly remembered by his four children, Jeff Christensen (Melody), Lisa Hegna (Tom), Linda Berndt, and Karen Christensen, along with his 12 grand-children, Aaron (Kaycee), Aarika (Casey), Tyler, Trisha, Laura (Chris), Rachel (Britton), Ian, Khari (Daniel), Sara (Joseph), Emily (Howard), Lindsey (Rhett), and Kelsey (Chris), along with 17 great grandchildren. He leaves his sister, Marylyn Heuberger (Don) and his brother, Patrick, along with many nieces and nephews. Also included are loving friends and neighbors, Dennis and Dana Miller. Donald was born on April 28, 1931 in Minot, ND, to, ironically, Donald and Eleanor Christensen. The family moved to Portland, Oregon in 1939, where he graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949. His college career began with a track scholarship from University of Oregon. He was an outstanding 800 meter runner. While on vacation in Cannon Beach, Oregon, at a dance, he met his future wife, Eleanor. They were married a year later. He then transferred to University of Portland to complete a Bachelors Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in Hockinson, Washington, a K-8 elementary school district at the time, whose students went on to Battle Ground High School. While teaching, he earned his Law Degree from Northwestern College of Law in 1957. In the meantime he had become the principal at Hockinson Elementary. He came home one night from a school board meeting and said to his wife, "I have been offered the superintendency of Hockinson School District, I can take this or become a lawyer. Which should I choose?" she said, "that's your decision". He chose education. He then earned his Master of Education from the University of Oregon in 1964. He proceeded to hold a lifetime career as a successful, respected superintendent at Hockinson, then went on to the Castle Rock School District in Castle Rock, Washington and retired from the Lake Stevens School District in 1991. He dedicated his life to the education of children for 37 years. Don and Eleanor have been members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Everett, since 1974. He was also a member of Lake Stevens Lions Club. Donald was a server, who loved his family. The biggest joy of his life was spending time with the love of his life, Eleanor. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed operas, plays, football games and traveling. He adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he was always only a phone call away. We will miss him dearly. Funeral will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on June 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with reception following at Henson Hall on Church grounds, 2617 Cedar St., Everett, WA 98201.