Dean Edward Christensen

Dean Edward Christensen, 88, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on January 28, 2025. He was born on May 17, 1936, in Clinton, Iowa, to Chris and Nellie Christensen and spent most of his early life growing up on the family farm. Dean was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Dean was a proud graduate of Iowa State University and served in the United States Naval Reserve during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1958, he married Carolee Swanson, and together, they shared a life centered around family and community for forty-six years. Dean worked as a mechanical engineer for the United States Army at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois before moving to Huntsville. He continued his service with the United States Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal, retiring in 1992.

In 2006, Dean remarried Julie Linderman, and together, they shared a passion for travel, visiting destinations around the world. Dean was dedicated to volunteerism throughout his life. He coached youth sports, umpired, and served as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, making a lasting impact on the lives of many. He also volunteered to teach computer classes at the Huntsville Senior Center after retirement, always eager to share his knowledge and connect with others.

Dean loved spending time outdoors, whether fishing at the lake cabin he built with his sons or hiking in nature. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He was particularly proud of his grandchildren and loved supporting them at their baseball and softball games, often joining them for weekly outings and staying deeply involved in their lives.

Dean was preceded in death by his siblings, Glen, Edna, and Clara; his first wife, Carolee Christensen; and his son, Randy Linderman.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Christensen; his sons Randy Christensen (Lori), Ricky Christensen (Joni), and Tim Linderman (Renee); his grandchildren Megan Christensen, Jacob Christensen (Ashlyn), Mary Elizabeth DuBoise (Jason), Gale Linderman, and Kathryn Linderman; his great-grandchildren Jackson and Addison Christensen; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Dean’s legacy of kindness, service, and love for his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

A visitation for Dean will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, Alabama 35811.