John Carl Christensen, 87, passed away peacefully in his home on July 6, 2022. He was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, January 12, 1935. He was the second child born to Carl and Carmen (Ferguson) Christensen. He was a third generation carpenter by trade with a passion for Model A cars.  John and his siblings were the first generation of Christensens born in the United States to Danish Immigrant Carl Slot Christensen.

John came to the Valley to attend Adams State College where he married Nancy Hatfield, July 3, 1953.  They spent 59 years side by side, best friends until Nancy’s death in 2012. Together they had a full life.  John worked at Home Lumber and eventually formed his own construction company.  His boys learned the carpentry trade working alongside their father, who always took time for a “Danish Coffee Break”.  In 1979 they bought a farm in Blanca but also continued in the construction business.  They had a passion for music, dancing, old cars, rum and cokes and a house full of family.  They taught many 4-Hers to dance, making sure the boys knew it was their job to lead like gentlemen and the girls knew their job was to follow, even if the guy couldn’t dance.  Many 4-Hers will remember learning the Virginia Reel, Two Step, Polka and a wide variety of western dances from them.  John played the bass and saxophone in the family band which entertained crowds at of country gatherings. 

John believed in working hard and playing hard.  Over the years John, Nancy and the boys built many log homes and conventional homes on the Forbes Trinchera and around the valley.  When their boys were in high school, John and Nancy took off on their BMW motorcycle for a summer vacation and told them that the house better have a new roof on it before they got home!  The boys spent their time riding motorcycles all over the mountains until two days before Dad and Mom returned home, but hustled and had the roof complete with 15 minutes to spare!  The best gift John gave to his boys was an old fashioned work ethic that would serve them well as they raised their families. 

John will live on through his children,  Eric (Jean) Christensen,  Jim (Kathy ) Christensen and Bryan (Virginia) Christensen, his 8 grandchildren, Joseph, Danielle, Carl, Benjamin, Tessa, Haydn, Loren and Nikita,  and his 6 great grandchildren, his brothers Ray (Twyla) Christensen, Robert Christensen, Charlie Christensen and brother in- law Elroy Wertz. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Mary Ellen and his beloved wife Nancy. Cremation was selected and the family will host a celebration of his life at a later date.   To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.