Don S. Christensen Obituary (1929

Don S. Christensen passed away early Sunday morning May 15, 2011 after a 14-year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He spent his last 4 years at Emeritus of Silverdale where his loving caregivers helped to make his long journey as pleasant as possible. The son of Clifford and Florence (Twiss) Christensen, he was born in Wenatchee, WA on Dec., 29, 1929. At the age of 3 his parents moved to Bremerton, where he graduated from Bremerton High School. He was a high school cheerleader for 3 years and editor of the Class of '47 yearbook. He went on to the University of Washington where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity and met Lonnie, his wife of 61 years. Don will be remembered by his classmates and friends as always fun loving and full of life. He was a leading local businessman for 55 years. He joined his father in the family shoe business, Christensen's For Shoes, in 1950 and later owned and operated The Francis Shop as well. Don was active in Bremerton Rotary, a lifetime member of the local Elks Lodge, and the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. Don was also one of the founders of The National Bank of Bremerton where he served as Chairman of the Board for 7 years. He enjoyed duck hunting with his buddies in Sequim, boating with his family and friends, and spending many happy days at the family's homestead on the Wenatchee River. His family and grandchildren were the love of his life. Preceding Don in death were his father Clifford, brother Calvin, Grandsons Craig Peckenpaugh and Tyler Bright. Don is survived by his wife Lonnie, son Gary Christensen of Monroe, daughter Patricia (Doug) Peckenpaugh of Bremerton, daughter Cynthia Christensen of Allyn. Grandchildren Scott and Alyssa Peckenpaugh of Bremerton and Tianna Bright of Whitefish MT and Jessica Gantt (James) of Puyallup and one great-grandson Chase Peckenpaugh. Don's family requests that those who wish to make a donation in his memory please consider The Alzheimer's Assoc. or The Juvenile Diabetes Research Assoc. There will be a public viewing May 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Chapel with private services for family on May 27.