Joe Christensen, Jr.

Joseph Dewey Christensen, Jr., 74, of Rigby, Idaho, passed away April 2, 2023, at MorningStar Senior Living Center, after a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health & Hospice.

Joe was born November 10, 1948, in Weiser, Idaho, to Joseph Dewey Christensen, Sr., and Margaret Evelyn Johnson Christensen. He grew up and attended schools in western Washington and Idaho. After graduating from high school, he served a two-year mission in Sydney, Australia, and then attended the University of Washington and Washington State University where he earned his Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine.

On August 28, 1973, he married Wendy Dee Fuller in Alberta, Canada. They were blessed with five children, Rebecca, Katie, Jacob, Jarom, and Jessica. After 42 years of marriage, Joe and Wendy were divorced. Joe worked as a veterinarian in Washington state and retired to Rigby, Idaho.

He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served for decades in the Boy Scout program and was in a Bishopric for five years. He was a master fisherman, outdoors man, jack-of-all-trades, an excellent cook, and especially an awesome grandpa.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Ryan) Conrad of Rigby, ID; daughter, Katie (Tom) Westhora of Middleton, ID; son, Jacob (Stephanie) Christensen of Emmett, ID; son, Jarom (Tara) Christensen of Ammon, ID; daughter, Jessica Thornton of Middleton, ID; and siblings, Alice (George) Jarvis, Janice Riggs, Julie Haynes, Steve (Dawn) Christensen, Danny (Tami) Christensen, Susie Christensen, Peggy (Bob) Wallace; and 18 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Billie Dean Christensen.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to services.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.