Gene Christensen

Christensen Gene Christensen age 84, of Edina, died July 4, 2003 as a result of melanoma. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara; daughters, Sandra Simmons (Cal) of Edina and Carol Broback (Steve) of Inver Grove Heights; sons, Craig (Debbie) and Bruce (Ann) of Edina; grandchildren, Tyler, Eric adn Kyle Simmons; Jenna, Carly and Maggie Christensen; Becca, Kevin and Tom Broback; Charles, Jane and Ellen Christensen; special nieces, Mimi Larson and Martha Keefe; nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Doris Strand. Also survived by many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Emaline Christensen. Gene was born in Northfield, MN and graduated from St. Olaf College. He served as a naval officer in WWII, participating in both the European and Pacific conflicts in 3 1/2 years at sea. Gene was a successful businessman, founding the Christensen Insurance Agency in 1952, a firm that still bears his name. The agency is today run by son Bruce and son-in-law Cal, who were mentored by Gene in the business. Gene's passions in life were his marriage, his family, and golf. He was a two-time Minnesota high school golf champion, the second time by a margin of 14 strokes. He was the 1941 Resorters champion, state amateur championship runner-up, state best ball champion, Minnesota Golf Association Senior Player of the Year, and a club champion many times. He shot his age in his last round of golf two months before his death. Gene had a wonderful partnership with Barbara. Their love of travel took them to every part of the world over the years. They shared a life spending summers in Minnesota and winters in Scottsdale. Since his original diagnosis of melanoma 8 years ago, Gene has taken his children and grandchildren on 4 New Years cruises, the memories of which are cherished by the family. Gene always thought he and his family were the luckiest people in the world. He was a member of Interlachen Country Club in Edina and Pinnacle Peak Country Club in Scottsdale. Gene is remembered for his humor, humility, integrity, love of life, his many friends, and his sweet swing. A celebration of Gene's life will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 2pm at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina. Visitation one hour prior to service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Childrens Cancer Reseach Fund, 4930 W. 77th St., Edina, MN 55435 Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on July 6, 2003