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James Christensen posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Dad’s funeral speech
I want to thank you all again for being here today.
I’ve been struggling with how to feel this last week. There is the understandable deep sadness of loss but really, when I think of my dad what first and foremost comes to my mind is joy. My dad brought so much joy in the world throughout his life and that’s what I want to focus on today. So, I’m going to talk about the joy that was created by and surrounded my dad.
He was the type of guy who brought a smile to everyone’s face. When anyone came to our house they were always warmly welcomed and left well fed, but in the middle they likely had their ear talked off by him. He loved to talk and crack jokes.
Some of my personal favorites were in response to the various injuries I would get throughout my childhood.
Stub my toe, “well I bet you won’t do that again! Which was a terrible bet because I still stub my toes all the time!
8 year old me scraped my knee: “I’ve seen this injury before, looks like the only solution is amputation at the neck!” Little me would be like nooooo I need my body to do things!
I remember when I managed to cut open my eyebrow dancing next to a car door. I got home covered in blood and my mom was worried sick. I go to show my dad and he just laughed and said “I can see bone we better take you in.” I took after him getting a lot of silly injuries throughout my life. He raised us well to laugh in the face of pain.
While he had a knack for using humor to lighten the mood, he also knew when to be serious. He’d put a smile on anyone’s face whenever you saw him but if he was serious about something you knew it, and there was no screwing around. He raised me the same, and I truly appreciate being able to balance the two modes well and enjoy life to the fullest.
It was very important to him that Crystal and I choose our own paths in life. I could have become a mob boss, the president, John Wick or James Bond and I knew no matter what I did, he’d love and support me. I mean secret agent isn’t off the just table yet, just might have to wait a little bit since I have my hands full with his grandson.
His belief in me motivated me to work my hardest to make him proud and I cherish the fact that he told me many times that I did make him proud and how much he loved me. I will continue to make him proud, utilizing the skills he taught me to be the best possible father I can be to his grandson, Rowan.
He instilled in me the perfect way to balance life—through copious amounts of joy while knowing when to be mature. A priceless skill allowing the ability to truly enjoy life to its fullest. Something that I am excited to instill in his grandson. I know that his joy, love and memory will live on in myself, my sister, my son, and all who knew and loved him. His impact on all of us will be felt for generations. I love you dad. Thank you for everything.
A
Anonymous purchased flowers
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
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Anonymous
purchased the Designer's Choice Bouquet for the family of Leonard Christensen.
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Crystal Christensen lit a candle
Monday, April 14, 2025
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Dad always had a sense of humor that could light up even the grayest of days. He always knew how to find laughter in the little things. I still remember the time he convinced my stubborn little self to eat carrots by channeling Bugs Bunny—leaning in with a grin and going, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?” right in front of Mom. I didn’t stand a chance keeping it cool. Years later, when I asked what to do if a boy stared at me for no reason, he didn’t miss a beat. “Next time he does,” he said solemnly, “you look him straight in the eye and—” and just like that, he crossed his eyes, tucked in his lip, and turned into a total goofball. I was maybe in second grade but I laughed so hard. But looking back, it was more than a joke. It was his way of teaching me to handle life with courage and a little humor—especially when things felt serious.
I won’t forget our tractor rides to the old Casey’s on Whiting Drive and how they felt like pilgrimages—dusty, golden, filled with the less-than-quiet chatter and hum of the engine. Those little adventures weren’t just errands; they were our shared rituals, stitched into the fabric of my childhood.
But what I hold dearest are the scattered, glowing fragments of him—woven through my life like stardust. Some memories flicker faintly; others shine bright -but they’re all mine. Time, I’ve learned, can blur the edges; but, it never erases the heart.
He was many different things to many different people—but to me, he was simply Dad. Our quiet world, just a sliver carved from the vastness of his own, now holds echoes of his laughter, his wisdom, and the way he made life feel less heavy. He lived big, laughed deeply, and loved fiercely. And though it hurts to say goodbye, I won’t.
I’ll just say—see you later down the road, Dad.
H
Huntington (FP&A) Family purchased flowers
Monday, April 14, 2025
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Huntington (FP&A) Family
purchased the Indoor Garden Basket for the family of Leonard Christensen.
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Anonymous purchased flowers
Monday, April 14, 2025
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Anonymous
purchased the Designer's Choice Bouquet and planted a memorial tree for the family of Leonard Christensen.
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Our deepest condolencesAmeriprise Financial - SMM Team
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Leonard Christensen
Monday, April 14, 2025
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Our deepest condolencesAmeriprise Financial - SMM Team Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jess Jankiewicz planted a tree in memory of Leonard Christensen
Sunday, April 13, 2025
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My deepest condolences - may his memory be a blessing. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Bryce Varilek posted a condolence
Sunday, April 13, 2025
I worked with Leonard for seven years at the city shop. Leonard's sense of humor had me laughing every day. After moving to Rapid City, he still took the time to send us a Christmas card every year. Dixie and I would like to send our condolences to his wife Kathy and family. Bryce and Dixie Varilek
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AmySue Kleinschmit-Anderson lit a candle
Friday, April 11, 2025
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I knew Leonard as my Aunt Sharon (Kay) Kleinschmit’s little brother. We would often see him at birthday parties for my cousin’s. I was just thinking about him the other day & read of his passing. I knew that Leonard was in the military but I didn’t know he was in the Navy. I did know he was in the National Guard. My husband served a total of 30 years in the Navy as a Petty Officer also. I’m sure they have enjoyed talking about their service. You have our Deepest Sympathy.
P
The family of Leonard Roy Christensen uploaded a photo
Thursday, April 10, 2025
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Ginnie Wurtz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Leonard was an amazing person. He was always so thoughtful and helpful and never made you feel like you were imposing on him. I’ll always remember his laugh and his playfulness. He was very loved and will be always be dearly missed.
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Nicole Knudson posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
I am so sorry I had the honor of taking care of Leonard I had the privilege of getting to know his wife and son. When I would walk in his room he would say there is my girl. Hard to walk in his room and can't talk to him. He will be missed miss you to Kathy
S
Sam Solem posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
My Uncle Leonard was a kind, and humorous soul who brought joy and laughter to our lives. I'll never forget his grilling skills as he once said, "It ain't BBQ unless it's burnt as hell!"
His laughter and thoughtfulness to never forget a birthday or holiday will be deeply missed.
Though he's no longer with us, his memory will live on in our hearts, and we'll carry his spirit with us always. Rest in peace.
B
Brian Wurtz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
I looked at Leonard as a father figure growing up. Some of my best memories from childhood were with him and the family on our yearly summer visits. Leonard taught me how to mow, shave, and tried to teach me a bit about gardening. He was a good man and a hilarious chatter. I also vividly remember watching 80s action movies, James and I doing our best Ace Ventura impressions to him, and of course his introducing me to the “super duper sports bloopers” VHS.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Leonard Christensen
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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1-800-495-9679
601 W 21st St | Yankton, South Dakota | 57078
Phone: (605) 665-9679 | Email: myfuneralhome@okfhc.com | Website: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com
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