Obituary of Bruce P. Christensen

Bruce P. Christensen, 73, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones in his home on Wednesday February 24^th, 2021 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Bruce was born in Carlton, Minnesota on March 18^th, 1947 to Gerald Christensen and Gloria DeShaw.

Bruce graduated from Duluth Cathedral in 1965 and then he attended Duluth Vocational School for culinary arts. Bruce joined the Army in 1968 and was stationed at Fort Knox and then served a tour in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Bruce was employed by Cytec Industries in Cloquet, Minnesota which he retired from. Bruce went on to drive school bus for Voyager Bus Company for several years.

In 1985, Bruce married the love of his life, Deborah (Reich) Christensen. They shared 35 happy years of marriage and enjoyed traveling and camping together. Bruce loved making memories with his camping friends Peter and Sue.  He enjoyed old time country music, fishing, watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, making his famous pasties and Christmas cookies, he was a grill master extraordinaire, and he took great pleasure in maintaining his yard.

Bruce was a member of Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota. Bruce enjoyed that Pastor Tim always greeted him with the famous saying “Bruce is on the loose.”

The family would like to thank St Luke’s Hospice for their compassion to Bruce and the family. A special thank you to his nurse Donna.

Bruce was proceeded in death by his parents; his stepfather, John DeShaw; and his father-in-law, Richard Reich, along with many beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife, Deb; children, Miranda, and Joseph (Megan) Christensen, his sisters, Candy Christensen, and Trisha (Joel) Swanson, and mother-in-law; Shirley Reich. He is also survived by his sister and brother in laws; Cindy (Jim) Drahos, Kevin Reich, Jerry (Laurie) Reich, and Lori Copsey (Steve McCarthy), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his loyal companions, Mckenna, Martini, Wrinkles, and Charley.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 12, 2021 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Rd, Hermantown MN. A private celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday March 13, 2021 at 1 pm at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church. The event will be available to watch live stream at the Peace In Christ Lutheran Church Facebook page. Proper COVID-19 19 safety protocol will be observed. Masks required.