Evelyn Christensen

Evelyn Irene Christensen passed away February 8, 2017 in Parker, Colorado. Evelyn was born December 15, 1937 in New Westminster, British Columbia. After emigrating to the United States, she graduated from high school in Olympia, Washington in 1955. She attended college at Seattle Pacific University but didn’t graduate. Instead, she met and married the love of her life, Harold Raymond Christensen, on June 13, 1959. Evelyn’s daughter Julia was born in 1962 while the family was stationed in Fort Ord, California. Curtis was born shortly after in 1963. The Christensens were consistently involved in church ministry through Harold’s work at KHRT, a Christian radio station, and at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot, North Dakota. In 1985 they moved to Nanuet, New York where Harold pastored at Nanuet Lutheran Brethren Church. The couple retired in 2000 and moved to Woodburn, Oregon to be closer to family. In Woodburn, they found a church home at Mid-Valley Community Church. Evelyn called herself a professional volunteer. She was always active in church ministry and was particularly proud of her ability to teach and minister to others. Throughout her life she was a Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, program organizer, public speaker, writer, and overall, an avid student of God’s word. Even in stressful situations, she sought to uplift and connect with those around her. She loved playing the piano and organ and as a pastor’s wife, she had ample opportunity to praise the Lord through song. Up until the end, Evelyn could sing even when she couldn’t find the words to speak. Near the end, she found comfort in praise music, chocolate, and visits from hospice pets and her great-grandchildren. Evelyn recently moved to Colorado to be closer to immediate family. The hope of all was that Evelyn would live many more years and her great-grandchildren would have the privilege of getting to know her marvelous spirit. Unfortunately, that wasn’t God’s plan and she left us far sooner than anticipated. Evelyn joined her Lord after a series of health setbacks, falls, and numerous strokes. Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents George and Isabelle Benner, her brothers George David and Theodore Graham, and her husband Harold. She is survived by her sisters Barbara Ward and Shirley Beadle (Ben), her children Julia Zohner (Tom) and Curtis Christensen, her granddaughter Nichole (Zach), and her great-grandchildren Finnegan and Felicity Quinby. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Evelyn’s name to Friends Of Israel at http://www.foi.org/donate/ or by mail at: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc., P.O. Box 908, Bellmawr, NJ 08099. Condolences may be sent to Julie Zohner at 22910 Cliff View Lane, Rapid City, SD 57702. Below is an excerpt from Evelyn’s favorite devotional, Streams In the Desert, from the day of her passing: “And, lo, I am with you always . –Matthew 28:20 Never look ahead to the changes and challenges of this life in fear. Instead, as they arise look at them with the full assurance that God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. Hasn’t He kept you safe up to now? So hold His loving hand tightly, and He will lead you safely through all things. And when you cannot stand, He will carry you in His arms. Do not look ahead to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you His unwavering strength that you may bear it. Be at peace, then, and set aside all anxious thoughts and worries. –Francis de Sales”