Mel Christensen

Mel Christensen, 69, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Aberdeen.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen with Pastor Gary Compton officiating.

Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Aberdeen.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the burial at Schriver's Memorial Fellowship Center.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, and one hour before the service on Wednesday, all at the mortuary. Friends may sign his online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.

Per the family's request, please dress casually for the service and wear your favorite racing or motorcycle t-shirt.

Mel Christensen was born on September 28, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Irwin J. and Grace (Yenglin) Christensen. At a young age, Mel moved with his family to Webster, SD, where he was raised, attended country school, and graduated from high school. Mel furthered his education at the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD, and at Northern State College in Aberdeen.

Mel was united in marriage to Martha Huff. He then began working for Safeguard/Hub City, (now Regal Beloit), in Aberdeen. Mel married Shirley Engel at Warner, SD, on May 29, 1981. He remained at Regal Beloit until 2008, when ill health forced him to retire.

Mel enjoyed riding motorcycle, watching car races, hunting, fishing, and playing cribbage. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Grateful to have shared Mel's life is his wife, Shirley Christensen of Aberdeen; his children: Brent (Tricia) Christensen, Tracy (Tracy) Christensen and Kristin (Don) Ganje, all of Aberdeen; four grandchildren: Ryann, Zac, Ashley and Shannon; great-granddaughter, Lexy; and one brother, Wayne (Teresa) Christensen of Baker, MT.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents and one infant grandson, Samuel.