Dan Christensen

Richfield, Utah - Melvin Dan Christensen returned peacefully to his father in heaven on December 31, 2024, in Richfield, Utah. He was born on July 13, 1947, to Mel Christensen and Lila Fae Hunt in Richfield. Dan grew up in Richfield with his 4 siblings. After graduating from Richfield High School he attended the University of Nevada in Reno. He later followed in the military footsteps of his family by joining the United States Navy.

During his service he attended Naval Air Technical School in Mississippi before he was deployed overseas. Dan was awarded an exemplary performance during his years of service. He was honorably discharged in the spring of 1971. While serving in the Philippines he met and married Alicia Maria Mancia, joining them was her daughter Gina. Together, they returned to Richfield to have 2 children, then later divorced. Dan married Katherine Elizabeth Batt and they were blessed with 3 children, later divorced. 

After much traveling doing various work around the country, Dan returned to Richfield to join the family business with his father, Christensen Construction. He enjoyed carpentry and building homes for many years. He helped build his own version of paradise, the Fishlake Cabin where he spent most of his later years. Dan was a devoted member of the LDS Church and did much work in the Salina 1st ward and the Manti temple. 

Dan enjoyed a good rocking chair, porch swing and a crackling fire but the greatest joy of his life was his many grandchildren. 

Dan is survived by his children: Gina (Judd) McDonald, Juliana Christensen Beach, Samuel (Katherina) Christensen, Dane (Candice) Christensen, Don (Kayla) Christensen, Kristopher (Jenneka) Christensen; 20 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Chris (Ann) Christensen, Gwen (Joe) Roach, Casey (Bruce) Gunnell.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mel and Lila Christensen; brother, Bard Christensen; nephew, Benjamin Christensen; and a great-granddaughter, Lila Marie. 

A special thank you to the staff, nurses and residents at Sandstone Nursing Home for their care of Dan in his final year. 

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the Elsinore LDS Ward Chapel, 85 North Center Street in Elsinore. Military honors will be accorded by the James C. Jensen American Legion Post #75 and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Live streaming of the services can be found at: www.springerturner.com under Dan’s obituary about 15 minutes prior to starting time.