Theodore Christensen

1928 - 2025

Theodore Bert Christensen

September 3, 1928 ~ July 21, 2025

Lindon, UT - Theodore Bert Christensen (Ted) passed away peacefully on the evening of July 21, 2025, at the age of 96 in Lindon, UT.

Born in Mohrland, UT to Victor Monta and Clara (Sumsion) Christensen, Ted spent his childhood in several eastern Utah communities, where his father worked in the coal mines and his family learned the meaning of perseverance and unity.

In 1946, at age eighteen, Ted enlisted in the Army Air Corps and completed his service in the newly formed United States Air Force in 1949. He carried his sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism with him throughout his life.

On July 8, 1949, he married his eternal companion, Nola Myrl Rees in the Manti UT Temple. Together, they built a legacy of faith and love, raising eight adoring children.

Ted attended Carbon College and then graduated summa cum laude from Pacific University in Forest Grove OR, with a doctorate in optometry. He practiced first in Price and Milford, Utah before moving his family to Walnut Creek CA in 1959. For nearly three decades, he served the East Bay Area community as a skilled, caring, and involved optometrist, eventually serving as president of the California Optometric Association. He was deeply dedicated to his practice and valued the meaningful relationships he built with his patients and staff, always striving to provide attentive, compassionate care.

A lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ, Ted served in many callings and capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from seminary teacher to bishop. He and Nola Myrl together served five full-time missions: Freetown, Sierra Leone; Hong Kong (as area humanitarian aid coordinators); Salt Lake City (Missionary Department); Cove Fort UT; and at the John Johnson Farm in Hiram OH. They also spent six months in Zimbabwe with Deseret International, helping to establish a cornea donation and transplant program.

Ted loved sports (football, track, and later waterskiing at Lake Berryessa), read constantly, and rarely missed America's Funniest Home Videos. He had a quick, easy laugh and delighted in starting games of Oogly Boogly whether with loved ones at family gatherings or with strangers in line at the BYU Creamery. Above all, he loved God and cherished his wife, Nola Myrl. He took great pride in his children and rarely missed important games, meets, matches, recitals, or events.

Together with Nola Myrl, Ted founded the monthly family newsletter, WAAFF (We Are A Forever Family), and served as its publisher for more than forty years. The newsletter remains a cornerstone of family connection and heritage. BTW: "Your WAAFF is due."

Just two days before his passing, Ted rode on a float with other members of the American Legion in the American Fork UT Steel Days parade. He was so excited for the event that he woke up that morning singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy," a memory of joy and patriotism that his family will always cherish.

Having donated his body to the University of Utah School of Medicine, there was no funeral service. A celebration of Ted's life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 11:00-12:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 270 N 900 E, American Fork UT 84003. A mingle with family will start at 10:00 am. Those unable to attend may view the celebration virtually at https://bit.ly/tedchristensen.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, John (Jack), and his younger brothers, Ray and Clyde.

Ted is survived by his wife, Nola Myrl Christensen of Lindon UT, his eight children (Vicki and Waldo Jones of Walnut Creek CA, Blake and Paula Christensen of Waxahachie TX, Mark and Barbara Christensen of Rio Vista CA, Layne and Cheryl Christensen of Nevada City CA, Keith and Cindy Christensen of Concord CA, Brent and Erin Christensen of Alpine UT, Scott and Traci Christensen of American Fork UT, and Todd and Wendy Christensen of Pocatello, ID), his brother, J. Ross Christensen of Salem UT, his sister-in-law, Nancy Christensen of Tempe AZ, and an adoring posterity of 179 grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, and an example of faith, service, and good humor. His positive influences will reach through generations.