Bob Christensen

Robert 'Bob' James Christensen, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on August 2, 2025. Robert James Christensen, known to all as 'Bob', was born to Oscar Howard Christensen and Evelyn Nell Loudon on June 22, 1947 and raised in Oroville, Okanogan, Washington. Growing up in "Apple Country", Bob was surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Bob joined the Army immediately after he graduated from High School. He had orders to serve in Vietnam and Korea, but was ultimately sent to an artillery attachment in Soest, Germany where he served as a cook for 30 people. While serving in Germany, he suffered a brachial plexus injury that stayed with him throughout his life. Despite constant pain for 56 years, Bob remained patient and positive each day. Following his military career, Bob attended Spokane Community College to be a chef and a baker, graduating with an Associate's Degree. Upon graduating, took a job as a chef on the Alaskan North Slope. He eventually returned home to Oroville, taking a job in the bakery of the local grocery store. While living in Oroville, Bob met Patty Gowen, later marrying on September 10, 1976. The two had a son, Robert 'Rob' Cory Christensen, born August 2, 1977. Bob and Patty divorced shortly thereafter. While Bob was overseas in the military, his parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While Bob took the missionary discussions many times, he didn't feel ready until after Rob was born. On November 24th, 1978, Bob was baptized in Penticton, British Columbia and has been a committed member of the church ever since. After praying many years for a companion, Susan 'Sue' Carol Godby moved to Oliver, B.C. The two met at church, where Bob was serving in the Branch Presidency and Sue in the Primary Presidency. Bob proposed after two dates, and they were married in the Seattle Temple two months later on November 10, 1982. Sue was given a blessing in which she was told that all the joys and sorrows they would have would only bring them closer together, which proved to be true. In addition to adopting Rob, Bob and Susan went on to have three more children: Jeremy Juels, Michelle Rose, and Suzanne Katherine. Bob's injury caused him to lose the strength in his left arm, and he had to change professions. He started as a janitor in schools, later moving to Utah in 1987 and working as a facility supervisor with the LDS church, and eventually for the dialysis company Fresenius, from which he retired in July 2015. Bob and Sue retired to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he loved to spend time working in the yard and taking on endless home-improvement projects around the house. Bob had many gifts. He was tenacious; he'd keep trying until he accomplished what he set out to do. He gave beautiful prayers and was asked to give many blessings. He made everyone feel loved. He never met a person he didn't like and he was a world-class visitor. He had a strong testimony and shared it often. He accepted any call given to him but his favorite was a greeter at church. He loved making breakfast for the family, sharing his Fugassa bread, and he made it a point to teach each of his children the proper way to make mashed potatoes. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Evelyn, brothers Jerry, Paul, Dominique, and sister Merry. He is survived by his wife Susan; children Robert 'Rob' Jr. (Karla), Jeremy, Michelle (Kevin), and Suzanne (Sarah); grandchildren Robert 'RJ' III, Lauren, Talon, McKenzie, and Claire; great-granddaughter Henzley; brothers Howard (Christine), Ted (Susan); and many, many much-loved nieces and nephews.