Jerry Keith Christensen Sr was born in Sterling Idaho, the eldest child of Herman and Zelda Ruth Loveless Christensen. Eight siblings followed him into the world.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of Richland, WA; Daughters: Claire Christensen, Benton City, Judith Steen, Richland, Jill Ames Marlin, Arco, and Ruth Martin David, Rexburg; Sons: Keith Pat, Richland, David, Yakima, Ralph Linda, Dalton Gardens, ID, Jim Vicki Pocatello, ID, Dan Crystal, Boise, ID, and Van, Sumpter, OR. He is the proud grandfather to 34 and great grandfather to 39. Also surviving are Sisters: Jean Redfield and Emma Christensen of Rockford, ID, and Sue Christensen of Farmington, NM; Brothers: Don Gertrude of Billings, MT. Dale Gladys of Florence, OR, Bob Chris of Crockett, TX. Dad was preceded in death by his mother Zelda Ruth and father Herman and his sister Carol.

He had a loving childhood, raised by his parents in rural Idaho. When he was just short of 6 years old he went with his father to work, riding ditches. During that day Jerry met a cute little dark-haired girl, Dorothy, the daughter of Ralph and Ella Worrell. When Jerry got home that evening he told his mother he was going to marry that little black haired girl. He did marry her about 13 years later.

Dad and mom began 1st grade that August, and studied and played together through their school years. When the United States entered World War II dad left to join the Navy, and mom began nurses training. They were awarded their high school diplomas, as were other volunteers, while they were serving their country. Dad was patriotic and was proud of his service as a Training officer from 1943 to 1946 in the US Navy. He was a member of Company B1-43, Regiment 2, Battalion 5, under Commander MO Murphy, C. Sp.

When separation became too difficult for them, mom left nurses training to join dad, and they were married in Tulsa Oklahoma in April 1944. Mom went with dad as his Navy assignments moved them from city to city. As did all Americans at that time, they lacked many conveniences we now take for granted, and their stories of “making do” and creativity are entertaining and educational.

When mom was expecting their first child, she moved back to her parent’s home in Idaho. After the war ended dad was able to come home to his family. Because housing was in short supply following the war, they converted a chicken coop to be their first house. Dad worked at farming immediately following the war, then as a policeman in Twin Falls Idaho.

In 1949 Dad and Mom had their marriage solemnized in the Idaho Falls temple and their children were sealed to them. Dad and Mom were wonderful, caring parents, working with all their might to bring the children up righteously. They lived in Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Goshen and then Moreland, Idaho for most of their child rearing lives. Only Dan and Van were at home when they moved to Pocatello, where they lived for several years.

Dad began working at the “Arco Site”, as a security patrolman in 1951. During that employment he also made his photographic talent essential to the Atomic Energy Commission, and when the first photo lab was opened on “the Site”, Dad was the photographer. He eventually built that organization to several photographers and staff persons, with state of the art equipment and techniques. He won prizes at international photo conventions, and enjoyed all the new cameras he was able to purchase at work.

Dad retired after 23 years as photographer so he and Mom could enjoy traveling in their Airstream. They logged many miles pulling the Airstream from place to place, wintering in Arizona, and summering in the north. Mom and dad each bought a Vespa motor scooter and together they rode thousands of miles in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Mom and dad served a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Brookings, Oregon while living in their Airstream. After completing their mission service, they bought a little house in Ajo, Arizona, where they enjoyed the warm winters. In the summers they continued to bring their trailer north to visit family and friends.

Eventually, feeling the isolation of being too far from their children, Dad and Mom sold their Ajo Arizona home and moved to Rexburg, where they, with Ruth’s designing and assistance from several children and in-law children, constructed a most beautiful home. They were happy there, but the Rexburg winters drove them to sell and move to the Tri-cities area of Washington. They settled in Benton City and loved the ward. But as dad became more ill, mom and dad moved to Richland where medical help was more available and life could be simpler. They love the wonderful members of the Columbia Ward and the good Richland neighbors.

Mom and dad had a long, fruitful mortal life together, seeing many wondrous things, feeling much joy, and loving their family. Dad loved his daughters and his sons with all his heart. He loved his daughters-in-law and sons-in-law as his own. He loved every one of his 34 grandchildren and his 39 great grandchildren. Mom continues to live and love and to serve in the Columbia Ward. We as a family are grateful for the care and consideration and friendship shown to our parents. Dad was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed serving as a Sunday School and priesthood teacher and leader, a scout master and leader of youth, and in bishoprics. He loved to study the scriptures and have conversations about the saving and healing doctrines of the gospel. We will miss dad, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. We know he is in a good place and we have hope of being united with him.

Service will be held at Jadwin LDS in Richland, Monday, October 30, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. Viewing will begin at 9:00 A.M until service begins.