Derek Jensen Christiansen

Derek J. Christiansen, beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend passed on April 13, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. Derek was born on August 10, 1983 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His childhood in Idaho Falls was full of adventure. He played soccer, baseball, basketball, and golf.  He also enjoyed hitting the slopes with his family at Targhee every winter.  Throughout junior high and high school, Derek played the viola and found his love for music through artists like Collective Soul, Aroesmith, and Bon Jovi. Eventually his daily playlists dabbled in every genre and decade imaginable. After graduating from Idaho Falls High school in 2001, Derek started down the route of becoming a CNA, but then eventually moved into sales at Channel Blend. The president and owner of Channel Blend, Jeff Neiswanger, saw something special in Derek and took him under his wing. Derek moved up the ranks until he became Vice President of Operations. From there, Derek moved to Boise, Idaho where he became an outstanding, caring, and award winning Insurance Agent. Derek lived life to the fullest. He continued to enjoy fly fishing, golfing, camping, paintballing, skiing, and the general love of the outdoors. He also loved to help others. He volunteered for the Idaho Food Bank, served on community boards, and raised money for The Idaho Make A Wish Foundation. 

For those who knew him well, his smile was contagious, dimples and all. When you were around Derek, you felt his unconditional love. He was one who loved with his whole heart. He gave the best “bone-crusher” hugs. 

If you were a friend of Derek’s, you were a friend for life. 

Derek is survived by his parents, David J. and Donna M. Christiansen; sister and brother-in-law, Dana and Ryan Gillette; niece, Hadley Gillette; nephew, Grayson Gillette and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jocum and Ruth Christiansen and Len and Doris Kuther; uncle, Dean Kuther; cousin, Mindy McCulley; aunts, Ellen Rockoff and Elaine Crawford and uncles: Barry Rockoff, Dick Kelly and Mark Boada.

11:11 - Derek believed that this number was his own guardian angel guiding him to a new beginning. Any time you look at a clock and see this number, please think of Derek.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in Derek’s name to Idaho Make A Wish Foundation, a foundation that was near and dear to his heart.