Obituaries

John “Gary” Christensen, M.D., Sr., died peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.

Gary was born on August 19, 1932 in Evanston, Illinois, to Madeline (McCarthy) and Andrew “Knute” Christensen.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 63 years, Dolores (Stevens); children John (Sue) of Wheaton, Mary (Bob) Wittig of St. Charles, Jean (and friend Dave) of Burr Ridge, Therese (Dave) Danner of St. Charles, and Tom (Melissa) of Wheaton; 16 adoring grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brother Tom (Jeanne) of Willow Springs. He will be remembered and missed for his joy of life, sense of humor, generous heart, and caring ways.

Gary received his undergraduate degree in biology from Loyola University Chicago, and his Medical Degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. He served 2 years as a medical officer in the United States Marines, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He enjoyed a long, fulfilling vocation as a physician, and was respected and loved by his many patients and colleagues.

Gary and Dolores were inseparable as loving parents and life partners. Together they raised a close-knit family, frequently gathered family and friends for a cookout or casual party, worked hard, regularly found time for a little golf or a trip together, and would drop everything to help a friend or family member in need. Gary enjoyed hard work, especially delivering babies or working outside on a home project on a hot summer day. He also enjoyed many hobbies over the years including golf, tennis, photography, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, hunting, and woodworking—and more than anything, enjoyed bringing others along to join him in the fun and the great outdoors.

Gary was perhaps best known for his kindness and always being there to help, and was sought out by his family, friends, patients and colleagues for his advice and remarkable wisdom. His wonderful laugh frequently rang through the room, and he readily chuckled when others poked fun at him. He taught us to live life full of family and friends, love and laughter, hard work and joyful play, and abundant gratitude and happiness.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 14, at Yurs Funeral Home, 1771 West State Street, Geneva, Illinois. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 400 Cedar Street, St. Charles, Illinois, followed by interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

The family is forever grateful to Gary’s beloved caregiver and true friend Adrienne, his kind and attentive assistants Bozena and Ewa, and his compassionate nurse Stacey and her team from Grace Hospice, for the gifts of love, dignity, and respect that they conferred upon him.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Little Sisters of the Poor.

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