Dr. Harvey E Christensen

He was born on November 28, 1934 in Racine, WI to the late John F. Christensen and Asta Anderson Christensen. Dr. Christensen graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in English and Stanford University School of Medicine in 1960 and completed his fellowship in London, England within the same year. He then joined the US Navy as a Medical Officer – USS Staten Island Naval Ship. In 1962, he became General Surgical Resident USNH NNMC Bethesda, MD and was appointed White House Social Aide on June 27, 1963; though duties were not fulfilled due to the death of President John F. Kennedy. In 1966, Dr. Christensen attended Field Service Medical School in Camp Pendleton, CA. Within the year, he was appointed Staff Surgeon Third Marine Div. Hospital in Phu Bai, Vietnam and then Commanding Officer. In 1967, he served as Staff Surgeon USNH in DaNang, Vietnam and from 1967 until 1968, Assistant Chief of Surgery USNH in Camp Pendleton, CA. Dr. Christensen was Chief of Surgery, USNH in Rota, Spain from 1968-1970 and later from 1970-1971, Staff Surgeon USNH in Bethesda, MD. During his residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital he met his best friend and true love Priscilla Grainger, fondly called Pree. Dr. Christensen had fallen in love with a southern girl and she became his wife on August 22, 1964. They were blessed with 1 son and 2 daughters.

Dr. Christensen was on the American Board of Surgery, an advisory for the National Athletic Trainers Association, a member of the North Carolina Medical Society, N.C. State Sports Medicine Committee (1975-1995), Catawba County Medical Society, N.C. High School Athletic Association Sports Medicine Commission (1990-1995), and was an active fellow in the American College of Surgeons, American College of Sports Medicine, and a Charter Member of the American Society of General Surgery. He was on the Newton-Conover City School Board for 4 years, Team Physician for Newton-Conover High School Football Team (1972-1994), Elder of Concordia Lutheran Church where he taught Bible class for 15 years, and Chairman, Board of Directors at Catawba Valley Lutheran High School (1979-1986). He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the NC Division of the American Cancer Society (1979-1997), The American Cancer Society (1995-1997), and served as Chairman for the Medical and Scientific Committee for The American Cancer Society (1993).

In his spare time, Dr. Christensen enjoyed gardening, playing a game of golf, reading, traveling and watching football with his son, Scott. When the children were young their Dad would take them to the Newton Conover High School football games where they would stay on the side lines as their Dad served as team Doctor. Many wonderful memories were made as this young family grew, winters snow skiing, summers at the beach watching summer storms role in, even taking the children to the theatre and symphony orchestra performances. As adult’s what a great appreciation they have for the arts and the love of a Dad that loved his family and life. Having a love for teaching, he mentored many during his life.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Christensen is preceded in death by a brother, Robert Christensen; and sisters, Violet, Rose and Betty Christensen.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Priscilla of the home; son, Scott Christensen of Smyrna, GA; daughters, Kimberly Hill and husband, Daniel of Cornelius, NC, and Kelly Christensen of Asheville, NC; brother, Rev. Richard Christensen of Fresno, CA; and grandson, Avery Hill.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Conover with, Rev. Paul Nelson, Pastor A. Mark Schudde and Rev. Brian Weaver officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church and Day School, 215 5th Ave. SE, Conover, NC 28613 or University Christian High School at Lenoir Rhyne University, 602 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory Services in Newton, NC is honored to serve the Christensen family.