Gerald H. "Jerry" Christensen

Gerald H. Christensen, 83, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home in Harrisburg, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on July 24, 1941, in Rahway, New Jersey, to the late Herbert L. and Violet (Drummond) Christensen.
Jerry was a dedicated and hardworking man whose life was defined by his love of the Lord, strong work ethic, and a love for his community. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Jerry went on to co-own and operate Christensen's Department Store alongside his family. For over a century, the Christensen family business thrived, proudly serving the community from 1895 until its closing in 1998, marking an impressive 103 years of success.
Though Jerry spent the majority of his life in Woodbridge, he later moved to Harrisburg to enjoy his retirement. He spent his days immersed in hobbies such as woodworking, bird watching, and tending to his beloved garden, which became a true reflection of his careful attention to detail and his pride in creating beauty from the earth. Jerry's lawn and garden were a true labor of love that always brought him great joy.
Jerry was a man of few words but one whose character spoke volumes. His consistency, steadfastness, and persistence were traits that defined him throughout his life. While he may not have said much, his actions always spoke louder, and his words were carefully chosen. Whether leaving Christian calendar cards in public restrooms or on envelopes he sent, Jerry's messages of faith, love, and strength were shared wherever he went. He will be remembered for the solid foundation he built his life upon.
Jerry's uncle, Victor Drummond kept track of who's turn it was to preach the Gospel each Lord's Day evening, a job he passed on to Jerry. Even though Jerry shared a common fear of public speaking, he so believed in God's ability to use him that he took on the role of preaching the Gospel when it was his turn. His messages were not rehearsed but instead came straight from the heart, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Those who heard him speak were often moved by the sincerity and depth of his words.
Jerry leaves behind a lasting legacy-not only through his family and the business he helped build but also through the example he set in his faith by spreading the Word of the Lord. His life reminds us that the messages we share, both through our words and in Jerry's case actions, have the power to leave a profound legacy.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Lyla (House) Christensen; sons, Kenneth Christensen and wife Christina, Stephen Christensen and wife Sonia; daughters, Karen D'Amore and husband Nathanael, Heather Christensen; brother, Bruce Christensen and wife Linda; sister Beverly Christensen; grandchildren, Justin, Madeline, Weston, Noah, Makenna, Lorelai, Willa, and Thomas.
Services will be held at Living Water Community Church, 206 Oakleigh Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17111, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. A public viewing will begin at 10:00 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service.
A graveside service will be held at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens, US Hwy 1 N. Woodbridge, NJ 08863, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 12:30 P.M.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Homeland Hospice, an organization that went above and beyond in their care for Jerry during his final years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Homeland Hospice to continue their invaluable work.