David Lawrence Christensen, 76, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on September 19, 2014.
David was born February 24, 1938 in Detroit to the late Lawrence and Alice Christensen. David will be missed for his charitable heart, faith in God and love for his wife, family and friends who he graciously accepted without boundaries.
He grew up in Royal Oak and attended Dondero High School. David served with distinction in the US Navy, both as a corpsman and on submarines receiving an honorable discharge in 1962. David retired from Federated Insurance as a Safety and Loss Consultant. He was a very active member of Grace Episcopal Church here in Traverse City. David was also involved with the Maritime Heritage Alliance as well as being a crew member on the Schooner Madeline.
David is survived by his wife Julianne Gillner Christensen of Traverse City, daughter Tracy (Bruce) Berth of Coleman, WI; son Eric (Michelle) Christensen of Sturgeon Bay, WI; step children: Deborah (Gene) Wright, Cynthia Gillner, Michael (Wendy) Gillner; grandchildren Brenden, Joshua, Andrew, Travis, Garrett, Nicole, Phillip, Scott, Cory (Salina), Rachel, Calvin, and Claudia.
He is also survived by his sisters Diane Wuestoff of Bloomington, IL and Karen (Edward) Walker of Traverse City; nieces and nephews Stephen Huhn (Gail Boltz), Alice Huhn (Bill DeLong), Andrew Huhn (Janeine Williams), Joseph (Jennifer) Walker, and Alicia Walker (Bryce Hundley).
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday September 23, 2014 at 11 am with visitation beginning at 10 am at Grace Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Safe Harbor or the Jubilee House of Traverse City.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.
The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.