Wallace Christensen

BURLEY– Wallace Christensen, age 90, of Burley, died Saturday, June 13, 2015, at Cassia Regional Medical Center in Burley.

Wallace was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Spring City, Utah, the son of Carl LeRoy and Evon Deamer Christensen. Circumstances during The Great Depression required him to drop out of school in the eighth grade to help provide for the family.

He married Margaret Ella Ong Sept. 26, 1950. They later divorced. He then married Ethel Denny, who preceded him in death.

He was actively involved in the Murtaugh community, having served as the mayor of Murtaugh, as well as caretaker of the school; and he also had a park named after him in Murtaugh.

Wallace loved the harmonica and played it beautifully. He was a self-made man. He taught himself to be a carpenter, electrician, and plumber; and was always willing to learn something new. He was loved by everyone who knew him.

Wallace is survived by his children, Joyce Britton of Spanaway, Wash., Cordell Christensen of Burley, and LaRae Dean of N. C.; one step-daughter, Dallas; one step-son Ron Kell; two sisters, Mary Eula Thomas, and Carla Jean Cummins, 18 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Aside from his wife, Ethel, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen “Kate” Williams; his father and step-mother, Carl LeRoy and Mary Christensen; one brother Ronald Christensen; and two sisters, LaVon Sherwood and Madolynn Christensen.

A visitation for family and friends was held from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at the Murtaugh LDS Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.