Donald Francis Christenson

Donald Francis Christenson passed peacefully at home on August 30, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 11, 1954 and baptized at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, obtaining a degree in Mining Engineering. His career led him to Pinckneyville, Illinois, where he met his wife, Theresa Kellerman. They married on May 13, 1978 at St. Bruno Catholic Church. His career with AECI moved them to Missouri. They enjoyed 48 years of marriage and raised two sons. He was a devoted and loving husband. Side-by-side they shared the joys and persevered through life’s challenges.

When his children were young, he was very involved in his sons’ activities, volunteering and serving the community. His legacy included being both an Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 14 in Moberly, MO, the Eagle Troop. He also assisted with the founding of Moberly Area Soccer Association, a program that made a soccer league available to the youth in the area of Moberly, MO. He and Theresa joined the Knights of Columbus Clowning Ministry, spreading joy at a variety of events. Many lives were enriched due to his service to youth of the community.

Above all, Don cherished the time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Some memorable moments included: playing croquet with the kids, board games, card games, watching the grandchildren’s activities, gardening with Theresa, and watching the Packers play. He didn’t want to ever miss watching a Packers game! He sported his Packers gear and met fellow cheesehead friends where ever he went, even in Kansas. Don shared some great stories. Favorites involved camping with the boys, meeting rattle snakes in West Virginia, and tasting his dogs’ treats to “make sure they were good” and also to tease the dogs! As a child in Wisconsin, he typically let at least three dogs sleep in his bed. They kept him cozy in the winter. His love of dogs continued as an adult, always having a dog as a pet. He even volunteered in an animal shelter for a season.

Over the years he enjoyed many hobbies allowing his creativity to shine. He learned to make outdoor art from stones, wood and stained glass. He loved nature and exploring new hobbies: salt water fish aquariums, a leopard gecko, poison dart frogs, he even had an axolotl for a while. He and Theresa loved to share their interests and hobbies with their children and grandchildren.

Don will be remembered as a loving family man. A man of few words and many expressions. He was always willing to serve and share his talents with others. He loved to make you laugh and have a good time.

Don is survived by his loving wife Theresa Christenson (48 years), sons: Jonathan Christenson of Springfield, MO and Adam (Debora) Christenson of Olathe, KS. Grandchildren: Kaitlin, Trevor and Chloe Christenson. Siblings: Cindy (Charles) Thiel of Kaukauna, WI, Sharon Bostic of Albuquerque, NM, Daniel (Nancy) Christenson of Appleton, WI, and Richard Christenson of Kaukauna, WI and many loved nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father Raymond Christenson, mother Marian Christenson and nephew Zachary Christenson.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and loving care given by the Sarah Cannon Oncology Team and University of Kansas Health System Home Hospice.

Donations in Donald's memory can be made to St. Paul's Building Fund. https://www.spcatholic.org