Neil Christenson, a proud North Dakotan, passed away at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND on December 21, 2025. Born April 29, 1951, in Grafton, North Dakota, Neil was the second youngest child of Edythe and Leonard Christenson. He spent his early years on the family farm north of Bowesmont, building a foundation of hard work, loyalty, and community that guided him throughout his life. Neil graduated from Drayton High School in 1969 and attended Valley City State College majoring in mathematics, before answering the call to serve in the United States Army.
He was married and welcomed six children, all while serving in devotion to his country.
In his 40s, Neil furthered his education and earned a Master of Science in Construction Management, reflecting his commitment to learning and his profession.
Following his military career, Neil worked in Washington, D.C. area until retirement. After retiring, Neil embraced life with humor, curiosity, and warmth. He remained deeply connected to his North Dakota heritage and was an active member of a local curling club, where he formed lasting friendships.
Fulfilling a lifelong goal, Neil returned home to North Dakota in 2016. He cherished time with his siblings, loved sharing stories of the “old days,” and held a deep affection for the people of North Dakota. His laughter, storytelling, and gift for connecting with others will be profoundly missed by his large extended family—including cousins, nieces, and nephews—and by many friends. He was raised as a good Methodist, Neil found comfort in his faith, which was a steady source of peace and strength, particularly in recent years.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Edythe and Leonard; his brothers Earl, Dale, Glen, and Duane (who passed away in March 2026); his sister-in-law Linda Christenson; his niece Elizabeth Teske; and his nephew Jason Christenson.
He is survived by his six children: Jeff (Amy) Christenson, Heather Christenson (Kelly Hill), Andrea (John) Olson, Travis (Heather) Christenson, Adora (Ponch) Padilla, and Kara (Aaron) Heitke; his grandchildren— Jonathan, Katarina, Sean, and Lucas Christenson, Noelle and Nick Olson, Kindred Christenson, Ana (Logan) Waters, Adria, Harper, and Summer Padilla, Alexandra and Arriana Heitke, Jackson and Neil Christenson Hill; his great-grandchildren, Maggie and Wes Waters; and his siblings, including his two sisters Cheryl (Wade) Gjevre, Shirley Teske, and brother George (Donna) Christenson and sister-in-law Cleo Christenson.
A Thanksgiving for the Life of Neil Christenson memorial service will be held on June 6, 2026 at the United Methodist Church in Drayton, ND at 11:00 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served following the service at Hastings and everyone is invited.
The family invites those who knew Neil to remember him with a smile, a story, and the spirit of love he shared while visiting with people he treasured.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bowesmont Cemetery.