Gregory Edward Christenson, 71 of Phoenix, Arizona went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, September 21, 2020. Greg was surrounded by family and, as a faithful servant, finished his work here so incredibly well.

Greg was truly an inspiration to all who knew him with his positive attitude, joyful demeanor, great sense of humor and remarkable quick wit that drew people to him like a magnet. Greg was always grateful in all circumstances and he was awe-inspiring in how he handled his Inclusion Body Myositis (a rare muscle disease similar to ALS) which was diagnosed in 2009. Even with his physical limitations, his outlook on life soared to unbelievable heights. When he was diagnosed, he said, “Well, those aren’t the cards I wanted to be dealt, but I have to play this hand the very best I can.” People around him were in awe of his ability to persevere under his trials as he never let anything get him down or steal his joy. He grew to rely heavily on Mark 10:27, “With God all things are possible.”

Greg was born to Helen (Behles) and Alfred Christenson (both deceased), grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois and attended Michigan State University after high school. He began his career at Moore Business Forms right out of college and met his wife, Joan (Hitzman) Christenson at Moore where he stole her heart and became her soulmate in 1989.  They were married for over 31 treasured years and Greg was the most incredible, generous and loving husband, father and friend to all who knew him. Greg always put everyone else before himself, especially his family; daughter, Erin Spray (fiancé-Mark Sterkel, grandson-Tyler) and son, Ryan Christenson (wife-Erica, grandchildren-Zachary, Marissa and Brock). Greg also worked at North American Paper and Shamrock Companies before retiring on disability due to his illness.

When Greg was younger, his aunt and uncle owned a pleasure farm in Wisconsin where Greg’s uncle taught Greg how to downhill ski, ski jump, hunt, fish and fly airplanes. His uncle taught Greg a love for the outdoors that became a passion in his adult life where he pursued many adventures to enjoy nature and its full beauty. The stories of his childhood on that farm with his aunt and uncle, cousins and siblings (Wayne Christenson-deceased and Susie Nicholson (spouse-Brian) were something out of a fiction novel, full of fun and adventure. Greg lived his life to the fullest and was always a happy and fun-loving soul. Greg had a long list of family, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends who all adored this amazing man. Anyone who crossed Greg’s path is all the better for knowing him as he touched everyone’s hearts in a very special way and Greg will be terribly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Desert View Bible Church, 105 W Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 on November 21st, 2020 at 2:00 pm in the Worship Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated two possible donation considerations:

Community of Faith at Glencroft which is a church community Joan and Greg were involved in launching on campus at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging when Joan was their Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Residential Services at this faith-based senior living community. The Pastor Joel Eidsness and his wife Sharon have developed a robust spiritual life program and light a spark in the senior population there as well as visitors to strive to make the invisible Christ visible. Please make checks out to Friendship Foundation Inc. and write on the check memo line – Community of Faith IMO Christenson or the funds will not be designated to the Community of Faith.Mail checks to the Friendship Foundation Inc., 8611 North 67th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85302.

Barrow Neurological Foundation to support Dr. Knievel’s research at Barrow Neurological Institute. Gifts can be made online with a credit card at www.supportbarrow.org/donate or by check, payable to Barrow Neurological Foundation, 124 West Thomas Road, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Please write on the memo line of your check: IMO Greg Christenson.