Irene Christensen

Irene Gansberg Christensen was born Oct. 8, 1921 in Webster, S.D. She died peacefully May 18, 2006 in Seattle, surrounded by family.

She graduated from Stanwood High School, Class of 1939. She worked as a telephone operator for West Coast Telephone Co in Stanwood. Irene moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where she worked for Alaska Communication System, and R. C. A. Communications. She retired to Sandy Hook on Whidbey Island in 1972.

The daughter of Fred and Erna Gansberg, she was proceeded in death by her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Christensen, her parents, and brother Willis Gansberg.

She is survived by her brother Dr. Clarence Gansberg, her sisters Lorraine (Dick) Watson, and Rosalie (Jerry) Whitney, her brothers-in-law Maynard (Thelma) Christensen, Layton Christensen, and sister-in-law Ovella Christensen, along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Irene loved to garden, write long letters, visit on the phone, and was an avid Mariners fan. Her voice with laughter could always be heard at special events. Irene loved to dance, and when not dancing you could hear her singing with the band.

She was a great listener, and caring person, always wanting to know more about you and daily events. Her knowledge and memories were such a great gift to everyone she spoke too. She, and that great twinkle in her eyes, will be greatly missed, by so many.

In lieu of flowers, memory donations made be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) 192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100, Seattle WA., 98109.