Wilbur Emmons Christensen died Nov. 27, 2007 at Careage of Whidbey, Coupeville, at the age of 94. He was born in Detroit on August 9, 1913 to Leroy and Lourena (Susan) Christensen. He was raised in Detroit, graduating from Cooley High School.
Wilbur was a self-taught tool and die maker, apprenticing at Excello Corporation in Detroit. He made journeyman and spent 13 years with Excello. Wilbur worked many jobs in the Detroit area. He was married to Eunice Mae Holloway in Detroit, Mich., on May 8, 1937. During the war Wilbur would work 12-hour days at his regular job and on Saturday, he worked ten hours and eight hours on Sunday at a defense plant, contributing to the war effort.
In 1946, Wilbur and Eunice moved to the Los Angeles area, where he continued to work as a tool and die maker. He worked in aerospace and manufacturing, before retirement. The Christensens moved to Frazer Park, Calif., where they purchased a family grocery and dry goods store, which they operated for four years.
In 1982, Wilbur and Eunice moved to Sequim, Wash. Wilbur had a lifetime dream of living in the Northwest, and Sequim seemed a natural choice. Eunice’s health began to fail and for ten years, Wilbur was her primary care giver. In 2001, they moved to Oak Harbor and lived in Summer Hill Retirement and Assisted Living Center. Wilbur spent his last days at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville.
Wilbur enjoyed ballroom dancing, square dancing and water-skiing for many years. He was a gifted tool and die maker, and a quiet, introspective dreamer. He and Eunice had a 68-year love story.
Wilbur is survived by one son David Christensen and wife Igene of Coupeville, one daughter-in-law Syd Christensen of San Marcos, Calif., three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Eunice preceded him in death in 2002 and one son Dennis Christensen in October of 2007. One sister Dorothy and one brother Raymond also preceded him in death.
Family graveside services were held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, with Rev. Fred Renfroe officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.
