Delbert Christensen

Delbert Lawrence Christensen returned to his Heavenly Father, free from his pain, on September 17, 2021. Born February 18, 1939 to Milan Andrew and Marjorie Jacklin Christensen. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Ostler on September 18, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Delbert graduated from Jordan High School in 1957 and although math was not his favorite subject, he had a long career building rockets at Hercules/Thiokol. He also served as a Finance Clerk for over 40 years as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Delbert’s love for God and country ran deep. He served a mission at the Bishop’s Storehouse with his wife from 2005-07. He was a proud member of the Airforce National Guard for 21 years, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant. As an Assistant Crew Chief, he flew all over the world in a KC135 stratotanker. He was a quiet soul but always took the opportunity to share the experiences he had serving abroad and telling about the people he met. He would tear up whenever he spoke about how blessed we are as a nation and how much he loved his Heavenly Father and the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He loved being outside camping, hunting or just enjoying nature. Despite the wishes from his family to find comfortable places to sleep, it was not unusual for him to pull off the side of the road and set up camp for the night in some of the most obscure places.

He was a man with many talents and enjoyed sharing his hobbies and knowledge with everyone he met. He and Joan shared a passion for old cars. He would light up anytime he could show off his old ‘48 & ‘56 Plymouths and his ‘28 Dodge. He was most proud of his ‘56 Plymouth that he and several others restored from the frame up.

Delbert spent most of his days out in his shop working on his cars or shaping a pine board into a new shelf or piece of furniture. He loved anything to do with airplanes. He earned his private pilot license and spent many hours taking friends and family members on flights around the valley in his Cesna 150. His willingness to share his passions and talents helped many scouts over the years earn merit badges. In his later years, he found enjoyment through making old clocks & antique radios work like new again.

Delbert is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, his children: Jacquie (Mike) Morris, Debra Christensen, Scott (Cindy) Christensen, Natalee (Rodney) Yack, his sister, Carol Graham, 9 grandkids, Robert, Stephen, Paul, Aaron, Trevor, Kendra, Brandon, Ahrika, & Justin. 3 great-grandkids: Colton, Hanna & Jack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Lacox and his great-granddaughter, Chloe.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 S) South Jordan, Utah. Another viewing will be held at 10 am, prior to the funeral service on Saturday September 25, 2021 at 11 am. at the River Oaks 5th Ward 8950 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah.