DeWayne Wilhelmsen Christensen

DeWayne W. Christensen, 88, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away Friday, September 13, 2013 at his home following an illness.

DeWayne was born May 2, 1925, a son of Charles Lisle and Maude Moselle Wilhelmsen Christensen in Bloomington,Idaho. He attended school in Bloomington, Conda and Soda Springs, graduating from Soda Springs High School in 1943.

He was in the U. S. Navy during WWII from 1943 through 1946 serving in the South Pacific, New Guinea, Philippines, Australia, Noumea New Caledonia and Hawaii.

He attended the University of Idaho and Brigham Young University and graduated from B.Y.U. in 1950 in Education and received his Master's Degree from Utah State University in 1967. He coached football, basketball, and track. He was the principal of Soda Springs Jr. High School, Superintendent at North Gem High School, and Principal at Alameda and Franklin Jr. High School, in Pocatello, Idaho. He was in education for a period of 37 years and retired in 1987 from District #25 in Pocatello, Idaho.

On September 5, 1947, he married Donna Mae Thirkill in the Salt Lake Temple.

He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints serving in various positions. He was deeply interested in sports and family related participation in sports. Music also played an important part in his life.

He is survived by five children , Craig (Sheryl) Christensen; Kevin (Julie) Christensen; Stacey (Dan) Deagle; Scott ( Penny) Christensen; Lissa (Rhett) Hall; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one sister, Elaine Roberts; He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna, parents, one brother and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland 4th Ward Chapel (2925 Michelle Street) with Bishop Robert Taylor officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave. and on Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens with Military Rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral chapel.