Obituaries Ross D. Christensen
Sunday, 27 November 2011 17:54
Ross D. Christensen
Service Information
| Services | Memorial Services 11:00 Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church, 7401 University Ave. Cedar Falls |
| Visitation | will be during the fellowship time following the memorial service |
| Cemetery | There will be no visitation, his body has been cremated. |
| Memorials | In Lieu of Flowers friends who wish may direct memorials to the Allen Hospital Foundation, Young Life of Black Hawk County, or the Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County |
Biography Information
Ross D. Christensen, 71, of Waterloo died at Allen Memorial Hospital on Sunday, November 27 following a lengthy illness.
Ross Due Christensen was born April 6, 1940 in Atlantic, Iowa, son of Svend and Kathryn Christensen.
He married Pat Catron on September 2, 1962 in Atlantic, Iowa. Ross graduated from High School in Atlantic and received from the University of Iowa his BS, DDS, and in 1966 his Masters in Orthodontics.
Ross worked at the National Institute of Health until coming to Waterloo in June 1968 having purchased the orthodontic practice of Dr. Dewey Felcher. He was in a group practice with doctors, including Sam Christensen, Buzz Bigelow, Glen Miller, Roger Day, Jean Treder, Mike Freeseman, and his son Greg Christensen since 1994.
Dr. Christensen was a member and leader of the Waterloo Community School Board, Past President of the Board of Regents of Wartburg College, a founder of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, board member of the R.J. McElroy Trust, one of the founders of Leadership Investment for Tomorrow, founding member of Community National Bank, co-founder and owner of Heartland Inns, active community supporter and advocate for Young Life of Black Hawk County, Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County, radio station KBBG, member of the University of Iowa Foundation, and involved in leadership in numerous other organizations.
He is survived by his wife; son Greg (Dani) Christensen of Waterloo; daughter Lisa (David) Kempston of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; ten grandchildren: Ashlyn, Ben, Seth, Andrew and Anna Christensen, Alex, Brennan, Kate and Connor Kempston and Allison Martyr; and sister Karla Smit of Ankeny.
Dr. Christensen is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sheryl Martyr, and brother Tom Christensen.
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Condolences (15)
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I was so sorry to read about Ross. I have many memories of your family when you lived next door to us on Orchard St. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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November 28, 2011
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On behalf of the West High Speech and Theatre Program, I offer my deepest condolences to the Christensen family at this time of tremendous loss and sorrow. Ross Christensen was truly a treasure to all he encountered in his life space. As a result of all he did for his family and friends, the Cedar Valley, and the many, many organizations he supported throughout the local area and state, his loss is even more profound. Simply stated, a significant man now belongs to the ages. Yet, his legacy will be forever known and we are all the richer for Ross Christensen's life. Many people strive to be successful in life through materialistic gain or popularity. And while Ross Christensen was successful, what is more important is his being significant. He made a difference. Having known of his great work in the community, be it on the Waterloo School's Board of Education or his many endeavors in the Cedar Valley, Ross Christensen always conducted himself with honor and dignity and always cared about what he could do for others instead of himself. He was philanthropic in so many, many ways that cannot be measured. Waterloo, Iowa, the Cedar Valley, the state of Iowa, and especially the Christensen family has lost a treasure. May the wonderful memories of this truly significant man offer solace and peace to his wonderful family. Yet, he left us all something to live by in the years to come. We can honor his legacy by striving to be significant in all that we do in life and work to leave the world a better place than when we found it. Thank you Dr. Ross Christensen for giving life your very best.
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November 28, 2011
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Pat and Family: Please accept our sympathy regarding Ross's passing. Waterloo and the Cedar Valley benefitted greatly from his efforts over the past many years. He will be sorely missed. Tim and Greg had a great high school friendship and Tim has many fond memories of Ross and your lake home. Our prayers are with you. jim and carlene
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November 29, 2011
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Gosh were to even start? Perhaps simply by saying that hundreds and hundreds of lives have been touched at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County SIMPLY because people like Dr Christensen stepped up to the plate and vowed to make a difference.
The Cedar Valley is a better place because of the Christensen Family . . . and Dr Christensen had as big of a heart as they come.
Blessings to the family at this time.
The Cedar Valley is a better place because of the Christensen Family . . . and Dr Christensen had as big of a heart as they come.
Blessings to the family at this time.
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November 29, 2011
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Dr. Christensen was my orthodontist in the mid-80s, and part of my memories of growing up in Waterloo, Iowa. I still have a very nice smile, and my dentist here in Washington, DC compliments my nice straight teeth every time I visit him. Nice work, Dr. Christensen. You made a difference in the lives of many people. My condolences to his family and friends, and the community of Waterloo on their loss.
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November 29, 2011
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On behalf of Main Street Waterloo, please accept our sympathies for your loss. Mr. Christensen was a valuable champion for Downtown Waterloo over the years.
Jeff Kurtz, Diane Graham, Melissa McKean, Vicky Bjortomt
Main Street Waterloo
Jeff Kurtz, Diane Graham, Melissa McKean, Vicky Bjortomt
Main Street Waterloo
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November 29, 2011
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Condolences and sympathies to family and friends on the loss of a kind and thoughtful companion.
The Holiday season is a great time to celebrate the life of a fellow who gave his time and attention to others, who helped build things and who encouraged others with his experiences.
May all the angels and Saints rise to greet him and may perpetual light shine upon him. And may Blessings continue to rain down upon the Christensen faamily as those Blessings have been so graciously shared with so many others.
The Holiday season is a great time to celebrate the life of a fellow who gave his time and attention to others, who helped build things and who encouraged others with his experiences.
May all the angels and Saints rise to greet him and may perpetual light shine upon him. And may Blessings continue to rain down upon the Christensen faamily as those Blessings have been so graciously shared with so many others.
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November 29, 2011
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I'm so sorry to hear the news of Dr. Ross's passing. I worked in the dental office for Dr. Sam in the mid-80s until the early 90's. We had so much fun dressing up for holidays and, of course, for the Hawkeye games! He and all the staff were a joy to work with and made the office a fun and lively workplace. I also attended West High with Dr. Ross's children. I wish the family all the best, Dr. Ross will be deeply missed.
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November 30, 2011
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Cindy and I are deeply saddened to learn of Ross's passing. What an absolute Prince of a Man! He had such a profound impact on my life, because he gave my lovely wife Cindy (Talley)Stark her most gorgeous smile, which I noticed since the first day we met! Ross was a wonderful role model as a thoughtful and committed orthodontist, a loving husband and father, and a pillar in his community. I simply loved to be in his presence and hear his rich and booming voice. What a tremendous loss for his family, community and our orthodontic profession. My life is infinitely richer because of Dr. Ross. May he rest in God's Eternal Peace. Our best, Tom and Cindy Stark
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November 30, 2011
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Pat and Family, Dave and I are so sorry to hear of Ross's passing. We thoroughly enjoyed our few dinners together and the opportunity to meet Allison's family--she is such a lucky girl! I just wish we could have visited more often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave and Kathy Perlenfein (Blair's Mom and Dad)
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November 30, 2011
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Dear Pat & family.
Ross will be missed by all who knew him. He did so much for the community
as an Orthodontist and a citizen. I know his family is very proud of his
accomplishments, as is his "dental family".
Ross was obviously a very caring person. Now is his turn to be cared for.
Love,
Fred & family
Ross will be missed by all who knew him. He did so much for the community
as an Orthodontist and a citizen. I know his family is very proud of his
accomplishments, as is his "dental family".
Ross was obviously a very caring person. Now is his turn to be cared for.
Love,
Fred & family
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December 01, 2011
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Pat so sorry to hear of your husband death. My thughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
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December 01, 2011
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Pat & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Lyle & Elaine Leeper
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Lyle & Elaine Leeper
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December 02, 2011
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Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. Your family, kids & grandkids, have been a blessing to this community. God Bless the Ross Christensen Family.
Dee & Gordy Yuska
Dee & Gordy Yuska
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December 02, 2011
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Ross' contributions and legacy to the Cedar Valley community will certainly be missed. Among the many organizations with which he was involved, one that I didn't see mentioned was Black Hawk Lutheran Ministry in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Ross was the instigator and driving force behind the founding of BHLM, a coalition of ELCA churches that became one of the groups that started the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. He was there for the 6 a.m. organizational meetings and inspired the rest of the group to move forward. He was a great personal and philanthropic role model for every organization he touched.
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December 02, 2011
