Val Christensen

Val Christensen (Frank Val), (82), of Tucson, Arizona passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018, at home with his family by his side. He was beloved for his kind heart, quick smile, and generous spirit.

Val was born on October 31, 1935 in Basalt, Idaho to Frank Vernon Christensen and Pearl Emelia (Olsen) Christensen. The youngest of three children, Val grew up helping on the family farm. His father died when he was 11; his mother faithfully raised the family thereafter. In high school, he worked for another farmer, Deto Harada, who he grew to love and respect. Val saved his money for a ’50 Chevy, which was his pride and joy.

In 1955, Val boarded a ship for a 28-day journey to Australia where he served a two –year mission for the LDS church. He married Lynne (Elnora Lynne) Davis on June 13, 1958 in the Idaho Falls temple. Together they had five children, Cal-Dee, Davis, Stacey, Debbie, and Tyler.

Val graduated from Utah State University with a degree in engineering. He put himself through college washing dishes at a local diner where he received a wage and a free meal – chicken fried steak – a lifelong favorite. He went on to work at IBM for more than 25 years. He was an engineer by profession, but a farmer at heart. Val and Lynne had a small acreage in Longmont, Colorado where they played weekend farmers and raised their kids in a fashion similar to how they were raised. Val excelled at his work, but family and church were always his first priorities. Val’s uncle and mentor, George Grover always counseled him to put God first, advice Val took to heart. He and Lynne served four LDS missions together – Alaska; Denver, Colorado; Tucson, Arizona; and Pocatello, Idaho. Val served twice as a bishop. He was also a high councilman for many years.

Val’s loving, gentle nature drew both people and animals to him. He and Lynne took in numerous children. He loved caring for his dogs and feeding the birds in his backyard.

Val is survived by his wife, Lynne; his children, Cal-Dee (Cheryl) Christensen; Davis (Bernice) Christensen; Stacey (Aaron) Nymeyer; Debbie (Dave) Heath; and Tyler (Julie) Christensen; as well as 17 grandchildren: Chase, Chance, Calee (Cal); Jenny, Westley, Danielle, Cooper (Davis); Lacey, Sterling, Brentyn (Stacey); Katie, Jacob, Aaron (Debbie); Taylor, Hayden, Duncan, Camille (Tyler); his grandchildren’s spouses, and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Arlynn Haggard of Firth and Idaho Falls, and his sister-in-law, Amy Christensen. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Lvern.

Funeral services in Tucson will be Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Sumter Building, 3500 W. Sumter Dr., Tucson, Arizona, 85742.

The graveside service will be Friday, February 2, 2018, at 11:00, at the Shelley Cemetery in Shelley, Idaho, followed by an open house (12:00) at the LDS Shelley South Stake Center on Sugar Road.