Leon Dar Christensen

BURLEY – Leon Dar Christensen, 56, of Burley, Idaho, passed peacefully from this life on Monday, July 15, 2013, at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah, surrounded by loving family following a sudden illness.

He was born Feb. 10, 1957, in Provo, Utah, to Ronal Eugene and Nola McIntosh Christensen, and was raised in Burley, graduating from Burley High School in 1975. After serving an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to South Carolina from 1976-78, he met the love of his eternal life, Linda Loeffler. They were married on Aug. 25, 1978, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for time and eternity. Together, they raised six beautiful children and have eight grandchildren. He was a truck driver by profession and served faithfully and diligently in various callings for his church.

Leon lived a life of service and unmatched love. Known by many and loved by all, it was rare that Leon went anywhere without recognizing someone, who he always enthusiastically greeted with a warm smile, hearty laugh, and one of his well-known bone crushing hugs. He found tremendous joy in helping others and, could often be found performing small or large acts of service for those he loved. Everyone knew they could count on Leon. He loved sports – particularly football – but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest joys came when he was surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren in moments that, whether quiet or loud, were always happy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronal Eugene Christensen; and his son, Andrew Leon Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Michelle Hild (Randall) of Lehi, Utah; son, Sean Christensen of Provo, Utah; son Cory Christensen (Emily) of Mesa, Ariz.; daughter, Nicole Thacker (Matthew) of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Marian Christensen of Burley; mother, Nola Christensen; brother, Ronal Christensen; brother, Steven Christensen (Debra); brother, Rodney Christensen (Charlene); sister, Julie Baird (Murray); and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 22, at the Springdale LDS Church, 200 S. 475 E., of Burley, with Bishop Gregg Harman officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 9 until 9:40 a.m. Monday at the church.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, that memorials be directed to the Leon Christensen Memorial Fund at Idaho Central Credit Union.