Miles Richard Christenson of Lewiston, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, after an ugly battle with COVID-19, at the age of 81, in Boise.
He was born at the family home in Eagle Bend, Minn., on April 14, 1939, and moved to the Newberg, Ore., area at the age of 2. He attended all of his school years there, graduating in the class of 1958. Miles was proud of the fact that they now have the fourth generation starting first grade at the same school in the same Newberg area (Dundee, Ore.)
He married Vernelle “Nell” Hamnes in Oregon City, Ore., in 1961 and loved to tell everyone that he had been happily married for 59 years. He entered the United States Army in 1962 and after basic training in Fort Ord, Calif., he and his wife were stationed in Vicenza, Italy, for nearly two years. Miles loved telling the stories of their time in Italy and the experiences they had there. After his military service, he worked as a fabricator-welder for most of his working years, where he learned to produce hazelnut harvesting equipment. During that time, he also moved to a farm with 10 acres of hazelnuts, where his children also learned the trade.
Miles’ favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting and sports of any kind and any time. He loved going camping with his kids and their families, especially with granddaughter, Brittany Christenson. He loved his DVR so he could watch ball games over and over when he could not physically attend.
Miles loved the Lord with all his heart and let everyone around him know it. He loved attending services at Orchards Community Church when he was able and became close friends with all those in his small Bible study group. His recent pastime was spending time in his recliner chair in prayer for all of his family. He was a gentle giant who was loved by all who knew him.
Miles leaves behind three children, Karen (David) Henry of Dundee, Ore., Michael (LaShon) Christenson of Hillsboro, Ore. and Brian (April) Christenson of Lewiston; sister, Kathy Christenson Emerson of Nampa; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gladys Lane Christenson; brothers Wendellen, Lawrence and Donovan Christenson; and sister, Betty Christenson Kuhn.
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A viewing will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 22, and a service with military honors will be held at 1 p.m.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Tuesday, December 22, 1:00 PM
- Location
-
Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home
920-21st Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Get Directions
Condolences
Louise Quijano
I am so sorry to hear about your father passing away. There is no good time for a beloved parent to go. I'm sorry for your loss and send my prayers and positive thoughts to you and your family as you go through the days ahead.
Sincerely, Louise Quijano
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 10:12 AM
Kenya Coleman
Dr. Christenson,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I can only imagine that your father was an amazingly considerate person based upon my interactions with you. I'm certain he will be missed.
Kenya
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 9:54 AM
Kathy Oquelí McGraw
Brian,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It sounds as though your father was a wonderful man. I hope that happy memories of him bring you and your loved ones peace.
Blessings and prayers,
Kathy
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 9:51 AM
Dick Senese
Brian - You and your family are in my thoughts and heart. I hope you and all those who loved your dad all are surrounded by love and support. Take care.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 7:09 AM
Jacqueline Trask
Hi Brian,
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. I’m not surprised; he raised a great son. I pray for strength and comfort for you and your family in the days to come.
Blessings always.
Jackie Trask
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 6:37 AM
Selina Matis
Brain & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in the thoughts and reflections of so many at this difficult time. I hope that our condolences bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 6:31 AM
Melanie Erickson
We have fond memories of Miles and his testimony of faith. We pray that God will comfort you during this time.
Monday, December 21, 2020 7:17 PM
Wynema G MOORE Linker
PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY , MILES IS AT PEACE WITH THE LORD, NO MORE PAIN OF THIS WORLD. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU.
Monday, December 21, 2020 5:12 PM
Shanel Bishop
Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time and the difficult days ahead. Take care.
Monday, December 21, 2020 2:29 PM
Michall Schlegel
Your family is in my prayers and my thoughts. Miles I love dearly are they friend and my late husband James always has loved him they are both with the Lord now and peace and rest God bless you all may the Lord watch over you and the angels spread their wings around you. Love Michall SCHLEGEL
Monday, December 21, 2020 1:55 PM
Nancy Sidell
Sending positive thoughts in you and your family's direction during this difficult time, Brian. Take care of yourself and each other.
Monday, December 21, 2020 1:33 PM
Nancy Haas
Brian,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are going to hear that over and over but know that each time it is said, it comes from our hearts to you and your family.
Monday, December 21, 2020 1:11 PM
Esther Hopper
My heart and prayers are with you.❤️
Monday, December 21, 2020 12:33 PM
Addie McCafferty
My condolences to you Brian and your family during this time of bereavement. My prayer for you is that the God of all comfort will comfort you in a way that only He knows how. Blessings and prayers continued for you all.🙏🏽🙏🏽
Monday, December 21, 2020 11:59 AM
Kelli Ligeikis
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss! Much love to you and your family at this difficult time.
Keli
Monday, December 21, 2020 11:38 AM
Ida M Mills
Brian,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father - particularly during the holiday season. The obituary described a wonderful man. I'm sure that he will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.
Monday, December 21, 2020 11:09 AM
Karen Sloak
Brain-I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and payers are with you during this difficult time/
Karen
Monday, December 21, 2020 9:56 AM
Phyllis Misite
Brian,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I will be thinking of you and your family and offering up prayers of support. Please take care.
Phyllis
Monday, December 21, 2020 9:45 AM
Tracee Washington
Brian, I am terribly sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man.
My thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this time.
Monday, December 21, 2020 9:35 AM
Heather Welzant
Dear Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and to all those who loved your dad.
Monday, December 21, 2020 9:35 AM
Melissa McIntyre-Brandly
Brian, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Monday, December 21, 2020 8:13 AM