Charles "Chuck" Evans Christensen, 78, was born on December 15, 1946 in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Ben and Lucille Christensen. He attended St. Mary of the Lake Elementary School and graduated from St. Benedict High School in Chicago in 1964. While in school, he played the trumpet and bugle in the Chicago Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, which were then U. S. Champions.

Chuck proudly served the United States during the Vietnam War as a Specialist 5 in Charlie Company of the 169th Engineer Battalion of the U. S. Army. He volunteered for a second combat tour in Vietnam, earning his honorable discharge in 1972. While in Vietnam, Chuck earned the Bronze Star with "V" device, among other awards.

In the mid 1970's, Chuck moved to Oklahoma to be a paragliding instructor, and never left. He was proud to be an Okie and proud of his adopted state. He also entered the electrician's field as an apprentice. After earning his journeyman card, Chuck went to work for St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He worked in the Engineering department as an electrician for 33 years until his retirement.

Chuck also worked for H & H Gun Range, assisting with Concealed Carry classes and providing private lessons. He was an avid gun enthusiast, and enjoyed shooting and collecting fine firearms. Chuck was a regular feature at local gun shows, trading firearms and selling collectible knives, of which he was quite an authority. In addition to fine firearms and knives, Chuck was a grand collector of jackets and also rode herd on an impressive (and ever-expanding) collection of Luchese cowboy boots.

To his many friends, Chuck was known as a very loveable "curmudgeon," a title he held with pride. He had the most wonderful, and extremely dry, sense of humor, and was the most loyal and supportive friend.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Lucille Christensen; stepson, Nick Karlin; and grandson, Aiden Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Fran; daughter, Cindy Craig and husband John; sister, Maren Christensen; stepsons, Wes Edwards and wife Angie, and John Karlin and wife Carol; stepdaughter, Roz Karlin and husband Marcus; niece, Sandi Christensen and nephew, David Markey. Chuck also enjoyed fifteen grandchildren and six great nieces and nephews.

Chuck was an honorable and devoted son, husband, father, brother, friend and grandfather – his most cherished role. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.

The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed on this obituary page.