Edward Earl Christensen

1947 - 2025

Edward Earl Christensen

July 31, 1947 - February 7, 2025

Born to Edward Earl and Mary Alberta (Dean) Christensen on July 31, 1947 in St. Anthony, Idaho. The family lived in Blackfoot, Idaho during his early life along with his older siblings, Hazel Ann, Richard and Michael. During his early school years the family moved around the West while his father followed construction jobs. They lived in Freedom and West Yellowstone, Wyo., Carlin and Lovelock, Nev., Salt Lake City, Utah and finally settled in Fullerton, Calif. where he attended Buena Park High School graduating in 1966. Following graduation he worked as a Forest Service seasonal worker for the summer in Montana near Hungry Horse. When he returned to California, he enlisted in the US Navy in October of 1966, and went to boot camp in San Diego. He was then assigned to the USS Arlington, a naval communications ship in Portsmouth, Virginia. From there the ship traveled to their duty station off the coast of Viet Nam, where they remained in the Gulf of Tonkin to serve as communication liaison to the Naval ships in the area. He served onboard as a Shipfitter firefighter/welder in Damage Control.

In May of 1967 he was transferred to a new duty station on board the USS Nereus, a submarine tender, at Point Loma Submarine Base in San Diego. When he returned home, he married his high school girlfriend, Sandra Ahlschlager, on May 20, 1967 in Buena Park, Calif. They then moved to San Diego where he reported for duty. In April of 1969 their daughter, Katy, was born. In October of 1970 he received an honorable discharge, and the family moved to Elko, Nev. He worked for Area West Construction helping to build Spring Creek. In 1971 their son, John, was born. Also in 1971, Ed joined the Elko Fire Dept. as a firefighter. He spent the next 24 years at various positions including driver/operator, shift Captain, and finally as Fire Inspector. Ed was one of the founding members of the Elko Firefighters Union local #2423. For many years he also worked part-time as an electrician with Leonard's Electric, Vietti Electric, Sabala Electric, Northern Electric and Wells Rural Electric. He retired to Spring Creek in 1997, and built their retirement home with the help of many, many friends. They lived there for the next 27 years until his passing.

Ed loved hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling and most anything involving the outdoors. He taught his children and grandchildren to love it on the many trips they took to all parts of northern Nevada. He taught them to love and appreciate the beauty of this country. He also liked to dabble in taxidermy, and spent hours doing mostly birds, but also several deer and an antelope. He had a woodshop in his garage where he created several pieces of furniture for their home, and was a talented "fix-it" man. He and Sandy liked to visit antique stores and shows looking for things to add to their various collections.

Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandy, of Spring Creek; daughter, Katy Schwartz (David) of Winnemucca; son, John Christensen (Stephanie) of Elko; grandchildren, Taylor Schwartz (Nick Harris) of Sacramento, Calif., Thomas Schwartz (Val Milanes) of Sparks, Nev., Amanda Christensen of Elko, Nev., Cameron Christensen (Lexi Schweer) of Elko, Nev., and Cassi Christensen (James Huckaby) of Elko, Nev.; sister, Hazel Warne-Ulmer of Elko, Nev.; brother, Michael Christensen (Melissa) of Ryndon, Nev.; nieces, Debbie Goodale (Phil Garcia) of Spring Creek, Nev., Sally Jepson (John) of Meridian, Idaho, and Michelle Garcia (Adan) of Ridgecrest, Calif.; nephews, Kirk Goodale, Mont., Tim Christensen (Amanda) of Spring Creek, Nev. and James Christensen.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; brother, Richard Christensen; and brothers-in-law, Douglas Goodale, Richard Warne and Robert Ulmer; and niece, Dawnetta Rice.

Ed will be remembered for his great smile and love of his family and home. He was always ready for a good story or a drink with friends. He loved a good practical joke and had pulled quite a few in his time. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be very, very missed, and surely is watching over those he loved.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Genesis and Horizon hospices for their excellent care of Ed and our family. Special thanks to Billie Jean and Barry Lipparelli of Horizon, and Teri and Corissa of Genesis.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ed at the Western Folklife Center, 501 Railroad St.. Elko, Nev. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. Please come by and share a story about him, and have a drink and a bite with the family.

Anyone wishing to donate in his name can send their donations to Horizon Hospice, Elko, Genesis Hospice, Elko, or to the JUSTin HOPE Foundation non-profit whose mission is to give hope to families and individuals with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disorders. Their address is 2590 Orovada St., Reno, NV 89512, 775-453-9262, www.justinhope.org.