Tommy "Steve" Steven Christensen

May 9th, 1944 – September 2nd, 2022

Independence, MO - On Friday, September 2nd,2022, Steve Christensen passed away peacefully at the age of 78. Steve was born in Glasgow, Missouri on May 9th in 1944, the third child of Orvella and Andy Christensen. His childhood was spent hunting and exploring the countryside of those Glasgow hills and fishing in various lakes, ponds and small streams in the area. He grew up in a house his father built by hand, eating the vegetables his father grew in his impressive garden. He often shared happy memories of coming home from school to the smell of Orvella’s freshly baked bread.

Steve spent his college years studying education and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville, Missouri. During this time he was drafted and served in the United States Army, his last station being in South Korea. In 1970, he married Wilma Jean Himmelberg, also born in Glasgow. The birth of their son Eric followed in 1973, and daughter Leslie arrived in 1979. They settled their family home in Independence, Missouri. Steve, like his father, was incredibly skilled with his hands and spent the majority of his career in construction. He could build and fix almost anything, from crafting toy boxes to building the second story of his own home. He was generous with his talents, his children always had assistance with any home repairs and projects. Steve retired after being the Manager of Buildings and Grounds at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School for 16 years.

Steve’s mind was as sharp as his wit was quick, and he could tell some good jokes! He had an encyclopedic base of knowledge and facts - he dominated any trivia games. He rarely left a newspaper crossword puzzle unsolved. His love of the outdoors continued into adulthood. Wilma and Steve enjoyed many cross-country road trips, his favorite destinations were those with mountains and fishing streams. His mother’s cooking skills were passed on to Steve and his family benefited from countless wonderful dishes. Leslie remembers fondly of coming home from school to the smell of her father’s freshly baked cookies. Whether it was a grand Sunday omelet brunch or a weeknight barbeque, he expressed his love through his cooking.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father, Orvella and Andy, as well as his brother, Larry. He is survived by his two sisters, Susan and Betty, wife Wilma, his children Leslie and Eric, daughter-in-law Amy, son-in-law Eric, and his granddaughters Ella, Macy, and Abby. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 16th at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, where Steve found fellowship in his faith for over forty years. The visitation will be at 10am with a funeral mass starting at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Kansas City Hospice who provided exceptional care for Steve and his family, as well as Nativity of Mary Parish.