Donald "Don" Eugene Christensen

Donald Christensen, 90, of Gering, Nebraska passed away at home on Monday October 14, 2024. Memorial services will be held on October 26, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering, Nebraska. The rosary will be prior to the service at 10 am, with the mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. A private family burial will occur on Monday, October 28 at the West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. In honor of Don’s memory, memorials may be given to CAPSTONE. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born on June 16, 1934, in Alliance, NE to Magnus and Mary (Roes) Christensen. He attended Hemingford schools and was a proud Hemingford High School graduate. Don had a passion for writing, and after high school graduation Don worked diligently at the Hemingford Ledger and the Alliance Times newspapers. Don married Naomi Jean Baker on his birthday, June 16, 1962, in Mitchell, Nebraska, Two daughters, Angie and Julie, were born of this union.

He pursued his passion, and dedication for writing and worked for 40 years at the Star Herald in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. During his time at the Star Herald, he put his skills to work in the dark room, press room and as a regional news reporter. He was a proud, and very well respected member of the Nebraska Press association. With the help of his wife, Jean, Don authored Scottsbluff’s Centennial Book, Coming Home: The First 100 Years. In support of his wife, Don encouraged Jean in her dreams and pursuit of business ownership. He assisted in the success of “The Pot Shop”, in downtown Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Together, they retired in 2008 to spend time with family and friends.

Family was Don’s main priority. He cherished all the time being with his family, the big Christensen Thanksgivings in Alliance, and the quiet times with his daughters. He had a big heart and loved family holidays filled with laughter and lots of memories. He would do anything to help a child. For many years he dressed as “Santa’s Helper” until one of the daughters figured him out and the secret was up. One of his greatest joys that he was most proud of was his ability to help children with the building and renovations at the CAPSTONE “house”.

Don was highly involved within each community that he lived and worked in and created many memories in each town. Don was a member of the Elks, Christ the King Catholic Church, and later Saint Agnes Catholic Church. He also spent his time being a part of the Mitchell, Alliance, and Scottsbluff Fire Departments. He loved music and enjoyed being a charter member of the Sugar Valley Singers Barbershop group. Don was also involved in the board of Directors for the YMCA, as well as being a prominent member of the Gering City Council for 12 years.

Don is survived by his daughters: Angie Haun (Carl Stander), and Julie Malsam, Granddaughter Katie (Zach) Watson, great granddaughter Bexley Watson, Grandsons Matt, and Nick (Katie) Malsam, granddaughter Liz Malsam and sister-in-law Irene Conner, along with many nieces and nephews of the Christensen Baker/ families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, sisters Berniece Todd and Madelyn (Golka) Boyer, and his brother Arnold (Bud) Christensen.