Curtis Christensen

Oct. 18, 1949 - June 3, 2024

Curtis Christensen October 18, 1949 – June 3, 2024 Curtis Palmer Christensen passed away June 3, 2024 in University Place, Washington at the age of 74. Cause of death was vascular dementia. Curt was born in Havre, MT, the youngest of four children born to Curtis and Dorothy Christensen. In 1951, the family moved to Tacoma, eventually settling in University Place. Curt’s dad owned gas stations (Shell, Flying A, Exxon) in Tacoma and University Place, and Curt followed in his brothers’ footsteps by working at the station during high school. Following graduation from Curtis High School in 1969, he worked for his dad until he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps January 1970. He liked to say, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” After serving for two years, he returned to a career of working as an auto technician for more than 35 years. In 1977, Curt met his wife, Mellissia, on a blind date, and they were married two years later. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joys of family. They had two sons, Curtis James (CJ) and Eric, and that’s when Curt discovered that fatherhood was his greatest calling in life. From the moments CJ and Eric were born until the last days of his life, he loved them unconditionally and was there for them in any way possible. In addition to being a soccer coach, he never missed a pediatrician appointment, teacher conference, athletic event, concert, or any other activity involving his boys. He loved going to Dad’s Weekend when CJ was attending WSU, and he was immensely proud when Eric joined the Navy. He was equally as loving and supportive as a husband. Although he could seem to be on the quiet side, Curt had a great sense of humor and enjoyed being around people wherever he went. After he semi-retired, he and Mellissia lived in southern California for sixteen years, where he worked for TSA at John Wayne/Orange County Airport. It was a perfect place for him to maintain his humor and people skills. After the grandchildren started arriving, Curt and Mellissia returned to Tacoma in 2018. He found great joy being around his little granddaughters. Sadly, he passed when his only grandson was only three months old. Some of Curt’s fondest memories were of the family vacations to California, Montana, Florida, Bahamas, and Las Vegas. He and Mellissia also enjoyed the annual trips to Mexico with her brother and wife, Verne and Mary Rainey. Another annual highlight included the fishing trips to Sekiu with his University Place and Curtis H.S. buddies. He always returned home with fun stories, but Mellissia did find it odd that he didn’t have any fish. In addition to family and friends, Curt loved his dogs. Throughout their 44 years of marriage, he and Mellissia included dogs as part of the family. He was also a Seahawk and WSU Cougs fan. Curt is survived by his wife Mellissia; sons CJ (Quinn) and Eric (Lindsey); and grandchildren Harper, Charlie, Holland, and Roman. He also leaves behind his brother Jack (Noi), sister Andrea (Marvin, deceased) Root, and sister in-law Joan. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his brother Chuck who passed just six months earlier. A Celebration of Life will take place Sunday, July 21, 2024 (2 pm) at Titlow Lodge. Arrangements by Earth Funeral. Remembrances may be made in Curt’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association or One Tree Planted.