Dale Christenson

Christenson, Dale -- Age 81, died May 12, 2007 in Flint, Michigan. Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Wednesday, May 16 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley St., Flint, Fr. Thomas Firestone celebrant, with military honors following under the auspices of V.F.W. Curtis Wolverton Post 3243. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Monday, 1-4 and 6-8 PM Tuesday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Dale was born in Flint in 1925 to Albert Christenson and Emma (Kamerschen) Christenson. He graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1943, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Seabee and was involved in the invasion of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Joan Harper on June 19, 1948, in Flint. Dale earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Michigan in 1950 and a Master's degree in Education from the same institution one year later. He taught in the Flint Public Schools for 33 years, including 23 years as a special education teacher.  Dale was a great athlete and sportsman who excelled at golf, bowling, fishing and hunting. He was known for his terrific sportsmanship, in victory and defeat. He was a lifelong Red Cross blood donor, who was very proud of the fact he had donated more than 20 gallons of blood. Dale was beloved by his family and his many friends, who can't imagine life without him. Dale is survived by his wife, Joan and their three daughters, Nancy of Mesa, AZ, Salli of Ann Arbor, MI (husband Mike Gould) and Cathy, of Flint. Dale was preceded in death by his twin brother, Dallas, in 1936, his mother in 1954, his father in 1976 and his brother Wayne in 2003. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dale's memory to Avalon Hospice of Flint or donating blood to the American Red Cross.