LaMonte B. Christensen
October 18, 1929 – June 8, 2022
La Monte “Chris” Christensen was born October 18, 1929 in Downey, ID to Ralph and Margaret Christensen. Chris was raised in Downey, ID with 7 brothers and sisters where he played sports and learned the value of hard work on the family farm.
Following graduation from high school, Chris worked odd jobs then joined the Army and enjoyed being stationed in Austria where he played basketball, baseball, and football. After the Army, Chris attended Idaho State University where he earned his degree in Finance. Following college, he worked with the United States Forest Service as a Smokejumper when he met his wife, Marsha.
Chris and Marsha were married in 1960 shortly after Chris began his career with the Forest Service and by 1963 changed career paths when he transferred to the Indian Health Service. After working in Pocatello, ID; Tucson, AZ; Twin Falls, ID; Phoenix, AZ; and Billings, MT, the family settled in Albuquerque where he retired from the Public Health Service in 1985. In 1992, they moved to Silver City where they would enjoy retirement. Chris enjoyed travelling with Marsha, both within the US and internationally.
Chris loved watching the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed a good round of golf and loved spending time with his seven grandchildren—all of whom he patiently taught to drive. More than anything, Chris loved the Lord deeply and lived his faith every day as an example to his family and all who knew him. He was very involved in his church where most knew him as “Mr. C”. He was a loving man with a great sense of humor; he loved to take advantage of the opportunity to tell a good joke (barely able to get through it without pausing numerous times to laugh). He was a man of integrity who measured his words carefully. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Chris is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marsha, son Korwyn (Erika) of Weatherford, TX, Daughter Dea Gros (Joseph), and Danna Lopez (Robert), grandchildren Jaired Gros (Nicole), Jeriah Gros (Melissa), Aujenae Ore, Ariana Hamm (Spencer), Joshua Lopez (Sydney), Jonathan Lopez, Matthew Lopez (Audrey), brother Bruce Christensen (Yvonna) of Ketchican, AK, brother Terry Christensen (Norita) of Salt Lake, City, UT, sister LaRue Bertram (Mike) of Eatonville, WA; ten great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Margaret, brothers Bob, Bill, and Paul and sister Colleen.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 21st from 10-11am. The funeral service will commence at 11am at Calvary Chapel with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating. Interment will follow at 1pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Jaired Gros, Jeriah Gros, Spencer Hamm, Joshua Lopez, Jonathan Lopez, and Matthew Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Lopez, Joseph Gros, Kory Christensen, Ken Anderson, Rick Billett, Joe Nerling, and Zach Ore.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
October 18, 1929 – June 8, 2022
La Monte “Chris” Christensen was born October 18, 1929 in Downey, ID to Ralph and Margaret Christensen. Chris was raised in Downey, ID with 7 brothers and sisters where he played sports and learned the value of hard work on the family farm.
Following graduation from high school, Chris worked odd jobs then joined the Army and enjoyed being stationed in Austria where he played basketball, baseball, and football. After the Army, Chris attended Idaho State University where he earned his degree in Finance. Following college, he worked with the United States Forest Service as a Smokejumper when he met his wife, Marsha.
Chris and Marsha were married in 1960 shortly after Chris began his career with the Forest Service and by 1963 changed career paths when he transferred to the Indian Health Service. After working in Pocatello, ID; Tucson, AZ; Twin Falls, ID; Phoenix, AZ; and Billings, MT, the family settled in Albuquerque where he retired from the Public Health Service in 1985. In 1992, they moved to Silver City where they would enjoy retirement. Chris enjoyed travelling with Marsha, both within the US and internationally.
Chris loved watching the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed a good round of golf and loved spending time with his seven grandchildren—all of whom he patiently taught to drive. More than anything, Chris loved the Lord deeply and lived his faith every day as an example to his family and all who knew him. He was very involved in his church where most knew him as “Mr. C”. He was a loving man with a great sense of humor; he loved to take advantage of the opportunity to tell a good joke (barely able to get through it without pausing numerous times to laugh). He was a man of integrity who measured his words carefully. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
Chris is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marsha, son Korwyn (Erika) of Weatherford, TX, Daughter Dea Gros (Joseph), and Danna Lopez (Robert), grandchildren Jaired Gros (Nicole), Jeriah Gros (Melissa), Aujenae Ore, Ariana Hamm (Spencer), Joshua Lopez (Sydney), Jonathan Lopez, Matthew Lopez (Audrey), brother Bruce Christensen (Yvonna) of Ketchican, AK, brother Terry Christensen (Norita) of Salt Lake, City, UT, sister LaRue Bertram (Mike) of Eatonville, WA; ten great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Margaret, brothers Bob, Bill, and Paul and sister Colleen.
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 21st from 10-11am. The funeral service will commence at 11am at Calvary Chapel with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating. Interment will follow at 1pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Jaired Gros, Jeriah Gros, Spencer Hamm, Joshua Lopez, Jonathan Lopez, and Matthew Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Lopez, Joseph Gros, Kory Christensen, Ken Anderson, Rick Billett, Joe Nerling, and Zach Ore.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
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