Major (Ret.) Dan Christensen

Major (Ret.) Dan Roberts Christensen passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74 years old.

Dan is the son of Dan Oliver Christensen and Mary Lynn May Roberts. The eldest of five children, he spent his early years in the Salt Lake Valley tormenting his little brothers and sisters, before the family moved to Goshen where the torment continued. The adventures of Dan, Dick, Brent, Gin and Susan spawned volumes of stories and strengthened their bonds. His childhood developed his deep love of horses, hunting, fishing, and hard work—forging the values that guided his life.

As a young man, Dan pursued his passion for rodeo, competing on the University of Utah rodeo team, competing in bareback and bull riding. His grit and determination in the arena mirrored the strength of character that defined him in every aspect of his life.

After graduating from the University of Utah as an ROTC cadet, Dan was commissioned as a U.S. Army infantry officer and married his sweetheart Wendy Thomas, during a blizzard, January 5, 1974, in Goshen, Utah.

Over the course of a distinguished 20-year military career, he earned his Airborne qualification and served with honor in a variety of leadership positions across the country and abroad. His final duty assignment was at Utah State University, where he served as the Professor of Military Science, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Army officers. He retired from active duty in 1994.

Following his retirement, Dan and Wendy settled on a small farm in Wellsville, Utah, where they built a life rooted in family, faith, and community. Together, they raised two children—Colton (Lisa) Christensen and Brandy (Jason) Dial—who were his greatest pride and joy. Dan and Wendy were sealed for time and eternity in the Logan Temple June 7th of this year.

Dan managed Hardware Ranch for 10 years, then worked as a school bus driver until he was no longer well enough to continue. He loved honest work on his farm, and the laughter of his grandchildren. He made many friends and adopted several bonus grandchildren throughout his life. The Hopkins and Reyes families were especially dear to him and those relationships continued until his death.

Dan will be remembered for his integrity, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Wendy; his children, Colton and Brandy; three of his siblings; and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick.

A viewing will be held on November 7, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at White Pine Funeral Home, 753 South 100 East, Logan, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to services on November 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 125 East 400 North, Hyrum, Utah. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Goshen City Cemetery at 3:30 p.m..

Dan’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the soldiers he led, and the countless lives he touched along the way.