Dean Lee Christensen of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away January 22, 2025, at his home. He had been undergoing treatments for cancer during the past months.
Dean was born June 14,1944, to Harry Christen Christensen and Leva Waldee Christensen, in Estherville, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist church in Huntington. He received his early education at the Dolliver school, which consolidated with the Gruver school midway through his high school years. He attended Estherville Junior College and then transferred to UNI. He began his teaching career in Vinton, Iowa. Dean was called to serve his country in the United States Army, spending a year in Vietnam as a Chaplain’s assistant and was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. He returned to teaching in Vinton, as well as earning his Master’s degree from UNI. He then moved to the Quad Cities where he taught reading in the Rock Island school district, followed by a position in the school library until he retired in 2022.
Dean was predeceased by his parents, his older brother James, and niece Julie McKinney.
Left to cherish his kind spirit are his sister, Sharon and husband Doug West of Washington, North Carolina, nephew Chris West, niece Kelly West Knox, and nephews Jim Christensen and John Christensen, great nieces and great nephews, many beloved cousins, and a wealth of friends.
The committal of ashes will be June 4th, 1:00 pm at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Arrangements by Wendt Funeral Home, Moline, Illinois.
