Chris Darwin Christensen

Chris Darwin Christensen, 98 passed away December 22nd with his two children by his side. He was born August 25th, 1921 in Oshkosh, Nebraska to his parents Chris and Emma Christensen. He grew up on a farm near Chappell in Western Nebraska. In the thirties, the family moved to town. It was a hard move for him and his younger brother, Roland, as after spending their childhood romping around the Nebraska farmland and many memorable country adventures, the move to a large Nebraska town of population 900 was a major adjustment for them. But they adjusted and graduated from Duel County High School in Chappell. America entered World War II in 1941. Chris and his brother always dreamed of becoming pilots. In 1942, he enlisted in the Navy. At 20 years old, because of the need for Navy pilots, he was accepted into a program for pilot training. After initial training, he returned to Chappell and married his high school sweetheart, Betty Munson. They moved around the country to various Navy training bases. His last assignment was as a TBM Pilot Instructor, training new pilots. Upon being discharged from the Navy after the War, they moved back to Nebraska. They settled in Bridgeport, also located in Western Nebraska, where Dad began working for the State of Nebraska. While in Bridgeport they raised two children and maintained a wonderful home. In 1963, Chris obtained new employment with the Federal Geological Survey. The job would take the family to Eureka California for two years before transferring to Visalia in 1965 where they have lived since. He took medical retirement after an on the job back injury. After this, he re-trained at Eastern New Mexico University completing a degreed clock and watch repair program. During the 80s and 90s, he operated his jewelry and clock shop, "It's About Time", in downtown Visalia. In 1995, he and Betty moved to a new home in the country, located on his daughter and son-in-law's ranch. He enjoyed his return to the country and kept very busy with many art projects. He also moved his repair tools and bench to his garage and continued to service people's antique clocks from home. He also had become an excellent artist, painting dozens of landscape scenes. Dad was devoted to our Mom, Betty, and was by her side every day for the last eight years that she had suffered from Alzheimer's disease. He set a great example for all of us. He had a good life, was a great husband and spent much quality time with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren, as he had done with his own children. He is survived by his children, Curtis Christensen (Mary), Susan Chase (Dan); his grandchildren, Chris Christensen-Pirtle, Matthew Chase, Rebekah Fammatre, Camisha Garcia, Scott Chase and Ian Christensen; and nine great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lee, daughter, Christine, parents, Chris and Emma Christensen, and his brother, Roland Christensen. And now he is with them all, in God's House, standing by his wife. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, December 30, 2019 at 1 PM, at the Visalia United Methodist Church in Visalia Memorial Donations can be made in his name to Visalia Rescue Mission www.vrmhope.org

Chris Darwin Christensen

August 25, 1921 - December 22, 2019