Dean Lee Christensen

Sadly, Dean Lee Christensen passed away unexpectedly on January 22 at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Dean was born on June 14, 1944, to Harry Christen Christensen and Leva Waldee Christensen in Estherville, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Huntington, Iowa. Dean received his early education in Dolliver, Iowa, which consolidated with the school in Gruver, Iowa when he was midway through high school. He then attended Estherville Community College and transferred to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and earned his bachelor's degree. He began his teaching career in Vinton, Iowa. Dean was then called to serve his country in the United States Army, which included spending an entire year in Vietnam as a Chaplain's assistant. During this time, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning to civilian life, Dean resumed teaching in Vinton and earned a master’s degree from UNI.

Dean accepted a position in the Rock Island Illinois School District and worked as a Reading Teacher until retirement and then as a Library Para-educator at Edison Junior High. In total, Dean’s service with students encompassed 52 years. Dean also worked in retail sales in his spare time at Younkers and J.C. Penney, advising customers with his unfailing eye for appropriate home goods. This unerring ability led to a remarkable reimagining of his own home interior design.

Although an early marriage ended in divorce, Dean continued to take his Mother and his former Mother-in-law, both widows, on summer trips that included visiting his sister, Sharon, and brother-in-law, Doug, in various locations. Each trip would always include visiting historical points of interest and arranging every possible "behind the scenes" tour. He occasionally invited various friends from the Quad Cities and family members to join him. The high point of many trips was always the Biltmore Estate.

To many of his close friends, Dean was regarded as a lovable eccentric. He dressed as he pleased, threw large parties for a great cross-section of the local society, loved his dogs, fast cars, and historic homes, and was always ready to perform with outrageous jokes. And Dean was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Above all else, he extended kindness and generosity to all he knew. Anyone in a pickle could call upon Dean, day or night, for assistance. He kept up with students from years past, and they would greet him as “Teacher Dean” or “Mr. C.” He never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone, soon adding him or her to his endless list of friends. 

When the Figge Art Museum was built, Dean decided it was the best place to spend his time. He was a generous donor and volunteer and hosted many parties within the Figge walls. And all the while, he scouted local artists’ studios and estate sales, running home with his newest acquisitions to hang wherever he could squeeze them in. Eventually, a large work was fastened to his ceiling!

Dean was an avid supporter of many art forms – music, arts and crafts, and performance. He particularly loved classical music and was a gifted pianist, playing “by ear” on his grand piano in his condo overlooking beautiful views. Dean advocated for regional art and championed orchestral, solo, and ballet performances. He regarded colleagues whom he met at these venues as an extension of family.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, his older brother James, and by his niece Julie McKinney. Left to cherish his kind, generous spirit are his sister Sharon (Doug) West, Washington, NC, nephew Chris West, niece Kelly West Knox, nephews Jim Christensen and John Christensen, great nephews and great nieces, along with many beloved cousins.

Funeral services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Figge Art Museum, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, or Ballet Quad Cities. Dean was a collector of friends. He will truly be missed. 

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Page at wendtfuneralhome.com.