Memorial Service for Gary L. Christensen, 83 of Browns Valley, Minnesota will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley, Minnesota. Rev. Mark Terayama will be officiating. Organist will be Norma Jung and special music by Wendy Cline and Dennis Fisher. Urn Bearer will be Gregg Christensen. Honorary Urn bearers will be all of Gary's Family and Friends. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Browns Valley, Minnesota. The memorial visitation will be held at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church on Thursday, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Gary passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, the 12 ^th of February 2017 at the Avera Hospital in Milbank, South Dakota. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of Funeral arrangements.

Gary was born in Sisseton, SD to Hans and Velva (Steele) Christensen of Wilmot, SD. The family later moved to Browns Valley, MN where Gary attended grade and high school. He later joined the Army as an airplane mechanic and served for two years, culminating his final tour in Germany. Midway through his service, he married Darlene Swenumson on June 5, 1954 at the Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD.

Gary returned to Browns Valley and worked for several businesses including his father in the Hans & Fritz Oil Company, the Baer Brothers, and finally co-owning the Champlain gas station with his brother in law, Bill Spotts. The last years before retirement found Gary working as a carpenter in the local area and around the state. While working as a carpenter, he and his wife owned the Traverse Cafe for a couple of years.

Gary had many interests throughout his life. He was active in the Mason's, the volunteer fire department, the American Legion, and several bowling leagues. He also had many other activities that filled his time including golfing, fishing, car restoration, and woodworking. As a father and grandfather, he spent all of the time he could supporting his children and grandchildren in musical and sporting activities.

Gary is survived by his wife Darlene and his children Gregg (Connie) of Sisseton, SD, Don (Ditas) of Kapolei, HI, Ann (Greg) of Browns Valley, MN, and Cal (Sheri) of Rapid City, SD. He was blessed with seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Hans and Velva and his sister Donna Spotts.