Russell Duane Christensen

Russell Duane Christensen - 86, returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on April 11, 2020, in Salt Lake City, UT, due to natural causes. He had been under the loving care of his daughter Tracy (Angelo) Contino.

Born May 31st, 1933, to Lila Thompson and Hyrum Christensen, small enough to hold in one hand and fed by his mother with an eyedropper. Russell was a miracle baby and a miracle to all who knew him.

Russell was a lifetime resident of Heber City, Utah and graduated from Wasatch High School, where he enjoyed playing football, baseball and basketball.

Russell proudly served his country during the Korean War and peace talks between 1953-1954. He served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne, 188th infantry. Also known as the “Screaming Eagles”. He was recognized as an expert in marksmanship. In 2017, Russell, along with his fellow veterans from Wasatch County were able to visit the memorials in Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight. This was a great opportunity for him and one that he cherished.

In 1956 he married his sweetheart, Lynile Schear whom he lovingly called “Slim”. In 1969, they were sealed with their family in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity.

Russell was a lifetime rancher in the sheep business. His children shared in many wonderful years working hand in hand with their father. The sheep business brought him many challenges and rewards. His brothers, whom he loved dearly, were also ranchers. This made close family relationships as they worked side-by-side most of their life. In his later life, he worked for the forest service and served as Water Master for the Lake Creek Irrigation Company for many years.

Russell was a man of great spiritual strength and honor. He demonstrated true Christ-like love for everyone he knew. Although, he faced many challenges in his life, he never complained and always trusted and remained faithful in the Lord. He had an infectious spirit that touched all the souls that associated with him. He had the most mischievous, piercing blue eyes that seemed to dance with his laughter. He was a kid at heart and always had a practical joke for you. Everyone loved him and wanted to be around him, including many of the neighborhood boys that liked to be involved in his shenanigans. He had many lifelong friends. You could typically find him with “the boys”, at the Hub grabbing a soda or playing pool at the Senior Center.

His greatest joy in life was his family. He strongly supported his children and grandchildren in their various activities, even with failing health. He kept his family together and was in constant contact with each one of them. His support, faith and calming voice will be sincerely missed by all.

Preceded in death: His wife - Lynile Schear, daughter - Erica Hildreth, Parents - Hyrum and Lila Thompson, sister - Ellen Ballard, brothers - Lamar, Harold and Garold Christensen, granddaughters - Kaisha and Kori Rae Christensen, and grandson Ryker Christensen.

Survived by:
Son - Mike (Donna) Christensen, Daughter - Tracy (Angelo) Contino,
Grandchildren Bryson M. (Dakota) Christensen, Shaelene (McKade) Lusk, Russell Duane (Devri) Christensen Jr., Mykelin Meshelle (Mitchell) Guzman. Skyler (Mariah) Hildreth, Breck Hildreth, Ciara (Joe) Wills, Ryan Hildreth, Kailynn (Antonio) Quintanilla, Jordan Contino, Kamryn (Jaxson) Dyer, McKaya Contino, Morgan Contino and 13 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday April 17, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:30 at Heber Valley Funeral Home, address - 288 North Main Street Heber City UT.
A graveside service will follow at the Heber City Cemetery at 12:00 pm – address 680 North 550 East. Military Honors will be provided by Heber American Legion Post 23. Friends and family may visit the online guest book and share a memory of Russell at www.probstfamilyfunerals.com .