Kenneth Christensen

Over his 76 years, Ken Christensen did so much to make this world a better place. He was born and grew up in Fresno, CA. He went to work at his dad's marina on Millerton Lake at the ripe old age of 12, beginning a life-long love of work on the water. He graduated from Bullard High School in 1966. A year later, in the midst of the Cold War, Ken served his country as an Army Military Policeman in Berlin, Germany.

In 1969, he began work at Folsom Lake Marina, also owned by his father. It was there that he met the beautiful tanned, blond Peggy Pedrick who would become the love of his life. They were married in 1972. Daughters Tami and Julie were born in 1974 and 1976, respectively. Not long after, they built (literally! themselves) their forever home on land along Salmon Falls Rd. There, Ken and Peg nurtured their family, welcomed countless friends, raised many generations of chickens, and rode and cared for horses, lots of horses.

Through the 1980s and 90s, Ken managed the Marina alongside his uncle, Don Christensen. Together, they saw that enterprise through floods, storms and droughts. Ken had an enduring vision for the Marina as a center for recreation and pleasure for boaters from far and near. For the past 25 years, Ken has been the Marina "Harbormaster" and its sole owner since 2022. Over nearly 6 decades, scores of El Dorado Hill teenagers have been employed and mentored there by him.

In cowboy lingo, Ken was the "real deal". He could make or fix anything; it would be hard to think of a tool that he did not have in his shop. He was an avid hunter and sportsman. He played, coached and umped softball. He reveled in the sports activities of his daughters and grandchildren. Ken had a special passion and gift for golf. Shooting in the low 80s or winning a tournament were important, but never as important as spending time on the links with dear friends.

The first word that Ken's family and friends would use to describe him is kindness. He passed because of a heart condition, but he had no shortage of heart. He had a quick laugh and a self-deprecating sense of humor. Tears never embarrassed him. He spoke his mind when necessary but also knew when to listen carefully. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Ken is survived by his wife Peggy, daughters and sons-in-law Tami and Tagg Neal and Julie and Mark Schanrock, grandchildren Taggart, Alex and Landon Neal and Trevor and Kailey Dosh, and brothers Norm and Tom. Friends and family will celebrate Ken's life at 11 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Green Valley Mortuary, 3004 Alexandrite Dr. Rescue, CA. For details see www.greenvalleymortuary.com