Gregory Lyle Christenson

life story

Gregory Lyle Christenson passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024 at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his parents Maynard and Dagney, sister Marvilyn, niece Amy, and nephew Matthew.

Greg was born February 5, 1953 in Faribault, Minnesota to Maynard and Dagney (née Roley) Christenson. He spent his early years working on the Christenson family farm with his five younger siblings. Shortly after graduating from Northfield High School, Greg married his high school sweetheart, Jan, with whom he raised four children: Chris, Eric, Todd, and Joy. He attended Michigan Technological University, where he studied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He began his professional career in Decatur, Illinois working for Archer Daniels Midland as a chemical engineer. In 1977 he and his family moved to Niagara Falls, New York where he continued his chemical engineering career for Alox Corp until moving back to Minnesota in 1980, where he worked as a computer analyst with 3M and an independent contractor for many firms in the Twin Cities area. In his semi-retirement, Greg found enjoyment and humor driving bus for the local school district. He also volunteered as a board member for his daughters' Spanish Immersion program. Greg married his current wife, Diane in 1996. The couple shared 28 happy years and raised two daughters: Brianne and Jenna.

Greg was accomplished in so many aspects of his life. A gifted and creative soul, he found joy in drawing, painting, and photography. He was a lover of music, and could often be heard singing along to '60s and '70s classic rock. He was especially fond of the outdoors, and treasured hunting trips with his father and sailing trips to the Apostle Islands with his wife, Diane. His intelligence was one of his defining traits, and Greg loved crossword puzzles and showing off his knowledge while competing at trivia games. He loved all things sports, playing football and basketball in high school, and playing fastpitch softball and volleyball well into his 60s. A lifelong Minnesota Twins fan, Greg's enthusiasm for the game never faded. Above all, Greg was a devoted and loving father and grandfather--roles he held dearest of all.

Greg is survived by his wife, Diane; six children: Chris (Anne), Eric (Denise), Todd (Kristin), Joy (Jessica), Brianne, and Jenna; four siblings: Gary (Marcy), Cheryl (Pat), Ken (Kathy), and Delane; seven grandchildren: Gavin, Aidan, Ellia, Adi, Noah, Oliver, and Sofia; numerous nieces and nephews; a large extended family; and many, many dear friends.

He was loved deeply by so many and will be greatly missed. Please keep Greg and his family in your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association in Greg's memory.

Please join us in celebrating Greg's life with a Memorial Service at 11:00 am on Friday, December 27th, 2024 at Highview Christiania Lutheran Church, 26690 Highview Ave, Farmington, MN. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the Memorial Service. The service will be followed by a luncheon.

memorial service

Memorial Service

December 27, 2024

Highview Christiania Lutheran Church 26690 Highview Ave, Farmington, MN 55024, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services