Dennis Edward Christensen

A celebration of Dennis Edward Christensen will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Senior Center with Pastor Burry Bessee of First United Methodist Church officiating. Mr. Christensen, age 70, of Gillette, Wyoming died at his home on Thursday, July 14, 2011 due to unknown causes. Dennis Christensen was born in Jamestown, North Dakota on July 1, 1941 the son of Louis and Alice (Gallagher) Christensen. At a very early age he became interested in sports. Dennis played and coached them for most of his life. He participated in basketball, softball, track, fishing and hunting. In 1945, his folks moved to Bonilla, South Dakota where he attended grades first and second. In 1948, they moved to Wolsey, South Dakota where he finished his high school education. While in high school in Wolsey, he participated in all sports, and was all-state in basketball. In 1960, he attended Huron College in Huron, South Dakota and in 1964, he graduated with a BA in physical education and a minor in history and science. While at Huron College, he participated in basketball -playing and coaching, and was an officer in the Circle K organization. Dennis continued his education in various fields since college graduation, especially the science and athletic areas. He started his 39 years teaching career in the Iroquois, South Dakota school system in 1964. Dennis taught school and coached for two years in Iroquois, three years in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and nine years in Miller, South Dakota. The last 25 years were as a junior high science instructor in the Campbell County School system. "Mr. C." as he was affectionately known by his students became a favorite teacher for many children throughout his successful career. He loved kids, science, and sports. Dennis retired from teaching in 2003. He married Patricia Louise Bradley on August 29, 1964 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, and from this union four children were born. Dennis is survived by his wife, Patricia Christensen of Gillette, Wyoming; his children: Jo (Darin) Schiller of Casper, Wyoming, Julie Ryan Christensen (William "Hopper" Webster) of Gillette, Wyoming, Brad (Rochelle) Christensen of Gillette, Wyoming and Bryan Christensen of Surprise, Arizona; grandchildren: Kelsey, Lauren, and Bryanna Schiller, Cameron, Danielle and Nathan Ryan, Trey and Chad Christensen and Madison and Devon Christensen. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials are suggested to the Campbell County Senior Citizen's Center. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Dennis's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716