David Allen "Dave" Christensen

1944 - 2025

David "Dave" Allen Christensen, 81

David "Dave" Allen Christensen, age 81, of Bigfork, passed away at his home on May 17, 2025. He was born March 7, 1944, in Antelope, Montana, son of the late Arnold and Gladys Christensen.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Hedges Christensen, and brother, Wayne Christensen.

He is survived by his son, Kai (Sherri) Christensen; and sister, Linda (Ron) Christensen Kroshus. Dave was a proud grandfather to Kasen Christensen and Soren Christensen, and he leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dave graduated from Antelope High School in 1963 and went on to receive a BS in Civil Engineering from Walla Walla University in 1967 and an MS in Engineering from the University of Washington in 1970. Dave and his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, a Registered Nurse, were married in 1967 and settled briefly in Seattle where David got a job with Boeing. Kai, their only child, was born in 1970. Dave and Carolyn had a dream to see the world and they saved every dollar they could for nearly two years to make that dream a reality. In 1972, to the dismay of their parents, they quit their jobs and embarked on a yearlong journey that took the family from the fjords of Scandinavia to Iran's ancient city of Tehran. After their return from Tehran, Dave and Carolyn lived almost 8 years in Bellingham, Washington, where they made many dear friends and so many wonderful memories. Dave's Engineering career took the family to Los Angeles, Dubai, Jakarta, Houston, and London, where lifelong family friends were made and some of the best times of their lives were had. In 1985, while living in Southeast Asia, Dave and Carolyn decided they wanted a place to call "home," so they purchased a little cabin on Flathead Lake. Many memorable summers were spent at the lake with family and friends. In 2005, they retired to Bigfork, where they replaced that little cabin with their beloved lake house. One of Dave's greatest pleasures in retirement was to sit on his deck with a beverage and watch his family and friends enjoy the lake.

A man of great faith, Dave was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

Dave was a true family man who would do anything for his family. Kai is extremely grateful and honored to be his son, and aspires to be as great a father and grandfather as his dad.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901. Light refreshments will be served after the service. Memorial donations in honor of Dave may be made to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp through Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.