Don Z Christensen

Don Z Christensen, 79, The cowboy, rode away on February 21, 2024, at his home in Tremonton, Utah. He was born on July 8, 1944, in Tooele, Utah to Don L Christensen and DeeRae (Zabriskie) Christensen. 

Don was raised on a fruit farm in Willard, Utah that his parents owned and operated. He grew up riding his horse in the mountains and terrorizing the town. At the young age of 17 he was forcefully persuaded to join the army, where he served in the First Infantry Division, (Big Red 1), until 1967 when he was honorably discharged and moved back to Willard. 

In 1968, he then met the love of his life and married Debra (Price) Christensen  on February 7, 1969, in Tremonton, Utah, where he spent the rest of his life, and was deeply rooted in the community. 

Don and Deb enjoyed  their time riding horses, roping, chariot racing and participating in rodeos while traveling the west.  In 1980 Don and Deb had their first and only child  Bo Don Christensen. As a family they enjoyed many adventures including camping trips, fishing, hunting and searching the mountains and rivers for Gold. 

Throughout his working career, Don held various positions at establishments such as White’s Pipe Company, Parsons and Johnson’s Ready Mix.  In 1989 he re-enlisted in the military and joined the US Army Reserves in Logan, Utah, where he was a Unit Supply Specialist for four more years. He even ventured into entrepreneurship with ventures like Buckle D Tack Shack, Hepp's Sporting Goods and Shoe Repair and later owning and operating his own semi-truck.  He also served as a bus driver for the Box Elder School District and a truck driver for Merit and then Francis Trucking, where he had to medically retire at age 75. At that point in his life his body started to wither away and was plagued with great pain and many back, neck and shoulder surgeries. But through it all he kept up great spirits and treasured time spent with his grandchildren and family. 

Don was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Christensen; son, Bo Don Christensen; grandchildren, Taylor Nelson, Jaycee Christensen, and Sadie Christensen; sister, D’On (Reese) Jensen; brothers, Lou Christensen and Mike Christensen.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Don L Christensen, DeeRae (Zabriskie) Christensen and nephew Kort Jensen. 

Family and friends may visit Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 5-8 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home (111 N 100 E- Tremonton). Military honors will be held at 6 P.M.

A special thanks to Brad Mower with Atlas Homecare and Hospice for the care he provided to Don during his last few months and days.