Vern J Christensen

On Friday, October 23, 2020, Vern J Christensen, loving husband, and father of 6 children, 27 grandchildren, 66 greatgrandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 88.

Vern J Christensen was born May 15, 1932, in McGill, Nevada, the 7th of 10 children to Antone and Emily Christensen. When he was a young boy his family moved often from Utah to Nevada for work opportunities. Raising a large family was not easy. The family moved to Salt Lake City where his dad, Antone, built and ran his own business, an auto body shop. Vern graduated from Granite High School in 1950. He took commercial baking classes and at the time hoped to become a baker. He later enjoyed making spudnut donuts for family and friends.

On his 21st birthday his father unexpectedly passed away and he became the owner of the family auto body shop and helped to care for his mother for the next 45 years. Vern married his high school sweetheart, Deloris Duncan Christensen in the Salt Lake Temple on April 30, 1951. The two have been devoted to one another for over 69 years. The love they have for each other is very special to watch. They are frequently found holding hands and sitting close together.

Dad loves his family and being a father was his number one priority with 6 children being born in 10 years. Raising kids was not an easy task. He worked long hours. Because of his love for the gospel, there was always time to gather family together for family home evening, prayer, and scripture study. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he faithfully served his whole life. He was a Bishop, High Councilman, and served in the Young Men’s organization for many years. He especially loved the youth of the church. He taught many boys through his example of how to live the gospel. He truly loved everyone he met. He always made you feel special with his warm greetings and big hugs. Another joy of his life was serving in the Jordan River Temple. Mom and Dad worked in the baptistry together. Mom playing the organ and Dad performing baptisms and confirmations and bringing families together forever.

Dad loved working with his grandchildren at the auto body shop. His grandsons fondly remember their time spent working by his side. He also loved the mountains, camping, hunting, riding motorbikes, and ATV’s. Lake Powell was his heaven on earth where he camped, enjoyed boating and water skied until he was 73. He stayed active his whole life and finally retired at age 80. He loved BYU Football and Basketball and held season tickets for many years. Dad was a quiet man who loved to tease and make you laugh. Everyone knew he was a foodie. After eating breakfast, he would say, what’s for lunch! He tirelessly served his family, saw to the needs of others, and helped many, even strangers stranded by the side of the road. He loved to garden and had the best-looking yard manicured perfectly. He loved his yard and shared it with his family having barbeques which included a family tradition of homemade ice cream. Dad touched so many lives and all who knew him said he was a good man. We all love Dad and miss him dearly. We look forward to the day when we will see him again.

Survived by his wife Deloris Christensen and children Cathy (Orin) Bagley, Mike (Eileen) Christensen, Caren (Shawn) Crittenden, Cherie (Franklin) Andreasen, Charlotte Brunetti and preceded in death by David J Christensen (Vickie Christensen Gunther), parents, and siblings.

Viewing to be held October 29, 2020, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 6770 South 500 East Midvale, Utah 84047. Funeral Services at the same location on October 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. followed by family prayer. Due to COVID-19, funeral services will be limited to family. Masks are required and we will be social distancing.