John Fredric Christensen

1935 ~ 2020

Viewing:

Oct. 30, 2020
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City
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  • John Fredric Christensen, 85, passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2020, surrounded by those whom he loved and who loved him in return. He is survived by his “angel wife” Linda Kay (Petersen) and five of his six children: Jennifer (Michael Purdy), John, Don (Kristi), James (Patricia), and Joseph (Jennifer); 24 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. As we tearfully mourned his passing with whispered “there he goes”, he was warmly greeted with cries of “here he comes” from his parents Fredric Nephi and Elizabeth Hamilton Glade Christensen, his brother Gilbert, and his daughter lost in infancy, Laura Elizabeth.
    John was born February 6, 1935, in Salt Lake City, attended East High School where he was on the varsity basketball team, and University of Utah where he earned his Masters of Social Work degree, his life’s occupation being a wonderful social worker. He was given the honor of “Favorite Guy of Alpha Chi” (Omega) where John and Linda met. They married for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, September 8, 1961, 59 years ago. John’s stated goal was to “maintain a cheerful and optimistic attitude”, which he accomplished completely in his quiet, polite, happy, unassuming, and joking way. No matter how he actually felt, when asked he would always say “100%”. John was an outdoorsman, loving to camp, fish, hike, being a scoutmaster (and Eagle Scout), and spending time with his family. He served in the Utah Air National Guard. His passion was flying and talking about his own airplanes and interesting flights he had done, especially into the mountains of Idaho where he would sleep under the wing next to a river. John was the rock upon which his family could always rely; encountering challenges their first thought was “I need to talk to Dad”. He described his home construction projects as “just short of perfect”. The life he led “just short of perfect” is closer to perfection than any of us can ever hope to achieve. John’s faith was unwavering. As a life-long active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints he magnified many leadership positions and two full-time missions; the Central States Mission as a young man and the Singapore Mission with Linda where they had great success in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others – especially in Pakistan. His sons and many of his grandsons and granddaughters have followed his example by also serving missions. John has left a legacy of love, service, and kindness that will perpetuate through generations. He was proud of his family and took every opportunity to tell them of his pride in them and love for them. Our goal is to continue to make him proud. We are glad that he is now truly “100%”.
    We thank family, friends, Canyon Hospice, and Suli for their interest and care. A viewing will be held Friday, October 30th, from 6-8 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. A private graveside service will be held Saturday, October 31st, at 11 am at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Dear Linda and family how I treasure the memories we had when you lived in Boise. Many times of fun, socializing, candy making, Church bazaars, fireworks booth, etc. etc. What a fun life we had together. Our kids corresponded in age, Marilyn and Jennifer, Don And John and Ron. Please give them my best from the Davis family. We love you and wish we were there to hug you as we send our husbands, fathers and grandpas to the other side of the veil. ❤️💔


    - Mary Ellen Davis

    Linda and family,

    Penny and I send our love and best wishes to you at John’s passing. I know he was getting older, but he was still Dad, Grandpa and especially husband. I can honestly say that I don’t know of anyone who was more universally loved than John. I worked with him for probably 30 years. he was always kind, wise and caring, and in being that, he would voice his opinion and state what he believed. I know there is no way to document the thousands of people’s lives who were blessed by him. Not only in his personal life and family, but with the many people he influenced in his various counseling responsibilities and his influence with co-workers and others.
    We surely love him and you and please hope you know that we wish you the very best. We are believers like you and when I die, I’m going to look around for John. And if I can’t find him, I have a feeling that I’m in the wrong place!! Love and Best Wishes, Harold Brown


    - Harold Brown

    Dear Linda. So many years since we were Nampa First awarders together. So sorry for your loss. I lost my Johnny two years ago and Moved to Bountiful a year ago to be with family. My thoughts are with your family.
    Myrtice


    - Myrtice Kinghorn

    I was so sorry to read in the paper this morning about John. It was so many years ago that I knew John and Linda. From reading the obit I could see what a wonderful man John had become and a great father. My condolences go out to you, Linda, and your family.


    - bonnie mckay nelson

    I send my love and prayers for peace and healing to Linda and to her and John's family after John's passing.
    As I read of John’s step through the veil between this world and the next, I remembered my association with him as a friend and fellow worker in LDS Social Services many years ago. John was exactly as described in his obituary. Cheerful, upbeat, kind, hard-working and constantly doing his best to befriend and lift everyone around him. His joy and zest for life were always evident and his unfailing kindness to everyone was his very nature.
    He is a great servant of the Lord, constantly striving to emulate those characteristics and qualities that the Savior personified. He never hesitated to reach out to serve and lift others. His life was one of selfless, cheerful service. I loved serving with John and am blessed to have him as my friend. My life has been significantly better because of my association with him. I look forward to seeing and serving with him again.
    William S. Bush


    - WILLIAM S. BUSH