Martin "Marty" D. Christensen

After a long, hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma, diabetes, and congestive heart failure, Martin (Marty) Delano Christensen of DeKalb, IL passed away on October 16, 2021, at the age of 87, while in hospice care at DeKalb County Nursing home. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Christensen, their son, David (Sharon) Christensen, and their three daughters, Kay Chase, Kathy (Gene) Heinsohn, and Kelly (Dan) Meyer, as well as 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Marty was born on the family farm in Mapleton, Iowa to Martin Delano  and Olena Johanna Nelson Christensen. He grew up as the self-described “caboose” of a loving, hardworking family, with three older sisters and an older brother. When Marty’s father died at the age of 52, Marty, a ten year old, moved to town beginning a life-long friendship with Robert McClatchey, Mary Ann’s older brother. Over the years of his friendship with Robert, he spent a great deal of time around Mary Ann, and the two eventually gave in and began dating in high school, tying the knot on May 12, 1957.

Marty earned a BS in accounting from the University of Iowa and was hired straight away by Peoples Gas in Chicago, IL where he had a long and successful career as an 

information system manager. Six months into his budding career, he was drafted into the army and served at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver for two years. While raising his four children in Lombard, Il, Marty was a driven professional with an unmatched work ethic. Marty was not all hard work, however; he enjoyed cross-country family vacations and weekend camping trips, especially while listening to his 8-track country music.

Marty was a fun guy with a great sense of humor who enjoyed square dancing, golfing, playing cards, gardening, cooking, and the theatre. Marty spent many hours nurturing, spoiling, and hunting golf balls with his grandkids. After retiring, Marty and Mary Ann enjoyed learning about other cultures and traveling to distant locales such as China, Alaska, and the 50th wedding anniversary family trip to Maya Rivera, Mexico. Marty and Mary Ann became snowbirds a short while after moving out to DeKalb. They bought a second home in Sun City West, AZ, enjoying the warmth, backyard citrus trees, and the 55+ lifestyle, but often making the trek back to the midwest for their cherished family Christmas get-togethers. 

Marty was a lifetime member of several congregations at Methodist Church. His faith has been important to him, sustaining him throughout his health struggles. Marty was appreciative of the empathy, compassion, and support shown him by the cancer support group at the DeKalb Cancer Center as well as his longtime church family.

Marty has requested to be cremated and a celebration of life and burial will be held at a later time. 

With unwavering love, affection, and gratitude, we say goodbye to our father. He taught us to challenge ourselves, work hard, be responsible, and have strong morals and values. Rest in Peace in your next chapter. You will be missed by many. “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant”

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