Ray Christensen

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Christensen, Ray age 92, of Rosemount, died peacefully Feb. 5, 2017 surrounded by family and friend. Preceded in death by parents, Svend & Hilda; son, John and daughter, Mary Beth. Survived by wife of 63 years, Ramona; children, Tom (Ann), Sue (Jim) Chambers, Jim (Rose); grandchildren, Emily and Mary, Jonathan and Christina, Brian (Nicole) and David. Ray was born May 6, 1924 in south Minneapolis, MN to Svend & Hilda Christensen. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and was an original member of the school Hall of Fame. After serving 33 months in the Army in World War II, he graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1949. Ray began his career in radio at KUOM followed by a position as program and sports director at WLOL. In 1963 he joined WCCO radio where he enjoyed a wide variety of broadcasting opportunities until he retired from full-time broadcasting in 1993. He continued as the voice of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers through 510 football broadcasts and 45 consecutive seasons of Gopher basketball totaling more than 1300 games. He fully retired in 2001. Ray and Ramona enjoyed hosting many tours around the world. Ray is a member of the University of Minnesota Athletics Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcast Hall of Fame. He received the Chris Schenkel Award from the College Football Hall of Fame. He authored two books and was active in the community recording over 100 books for the blind and visiting elementary schools to read to school children. Memorials preferred to Communications Center for the Blind, St. Paul, the Danish Center Genealogy Dept., Elk Horn, IA, or College of Liberal Arts Scholarships at the University of MN. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Saturday, Feb. 11, with visitation starting 9:30 AM at the Church of St. Joseph, 13900 Biscayne Av., Rosemount. Visitation 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday, Feb. 9 at: Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Published on February 9, 2017