Willis Duane Christensen

Willis Duane Christensen of Bothell WA. died June 29th 2011 at Evergreen Hospice Center.

Willis was born January 28, 1928 in Sisseton South Dakota to Magnus and Annie Christensen

He was a graduate of Sisseton High School and served in the US Marine Corps during WWII.

After completing 4 years of service he returned home, and on May 28th 1950 he married Darlene Schmaus.

Willis and Darlene were married for 58 years and are the parents of 8 children- Marsha Miller of Edmonds WA. Roger Christensen of Deming WA., Patricia Christensen of Bellingham WA., Curtis Christensen of Scotts Valley CA,. Keith Christensen of Seattle WA., Deanne Christensen of Mukilteo WA., Teresa Fernandez of Bothell WA. and Steven Christensen of Duvall WA. He has 18 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Willis loved and appreciated his family and took joy from being with and watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. He had an easy smile and liked socializing, or as he would say BS ing, with people over a cup of coffee. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Willis' passion for fishing led him to being the founder of the Columbia Basin Walleye club and he worked tirelessly to implement a dedicated Warm Water Fishery fund for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Willis is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Darlene Christensen, his brothers Ralph Christensen of New Effington SD, Morris Christensen of Las Vegas NV, and John Christensen of Boise ID.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Willis' life will be held Friday July 8th @ 1pm at Washington Cathedral in Redmond Washington.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Doctor Aimee Kohn MD, PhD at Cascade Cancer Center, and the staff at Evergreen Hospital for their exceptional medical care, and also to the Evergreen Hospice Center for their thoughtful and caring assistance. In lieu of flowers we request memorial contributions be directed to: Cascade Cancer Center Foundation12303 NE 130th Lane Suite # 120 Kirkland, WA 98034 and/or Washington Cathedral c/o Willis Christensen 12300 Redmond Woodinville RD NE Redmond, Wa 98052