Darrell Milton Christenson

July 28, 1937 - March 12, 2021

July 28, 1937-March 12, 2021 Darrell Milton Christenson Darrell Christenson of Corvallis, Oregon passed away in his home on March 12th, 2021 at the age of 83. He was surrounded by loved ones and his passing was peaceful. Darrell was born in Benson, Minnesota to parents Mildred Langan and Delbert Christenson. Delbert passed away in 1943 in Englewood California, leaving Mildred with Darrell and his two siblings (brother Jim and sister Darlene). Mildred remarried (Andy Pruden) with whom she had two daughters (Darrell's sisters Shannan and Lee). The family moved to property on Soap Creek, just north of Corvallis in 1947 when Darrell was 9. Darrell completed his schooling at Corvallis High School in 1956 and began his career at the Department of Agriculture in 1957 as a technician in the study of insects as they relate to humans and agriculture. He retired in 1994 from the Bureau of Mines in Albany, where he'd served as a Facilities Manager for the last 5 years of his career. In 1961 he met the love of his life, Jean (Wick) Christenson casually over coffee with friends which was quickly followed up with a blind 'hawaiian luau' themed date. They began their 57 year marriage (8/1/64) with Darrell's endearing, albeit perhaps less than inspired proposition at Yaquina Head Lighthouse of 'Do you want this, or what?' as he presented an engagement ring to Jean. But, as anyone who knows him would attest, what Darrell may have lacked in polish, he more than made up for in verve, integrity, dedication, humor, and joy of life. Jean and Darrell raised two boys, Jeffrey (47) and David (49), who now live in Colorado and London (England) respectively. As a family, they whiled away the years in the great outdoors, enjoying shared experiences and developing a deep understanding for the value of a healt