William Christensen

William #8220;Bill#8221; Christensen, 60, of Bozeman passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital due to complications of cancer. Bill was born September 12, 1950 in Bend, Oregon to Vernon and Lydia (Bennett) Green Christensen. He grew up in Oregon, Idaho, California, and Montana. When Bill was 18, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Vietnam. He served for two years, becoming a Sergeant, and following his discharge, he went to work for Owenhouse Hardware, working as the Parts Manager for 17 years. He then went to work at TMA, handling parts and laser equipment before working at JTL (currently Knife River) for 13 years until his retirement. On July 25, 1990, Bill married Mary Monroe in Bozeman. Together, they enjoyed working on their home, camping, fishing, and boating. Together with his brother, Jay, he founded the band Crossfire, and they played together for 12 years. Over the years, he played for several bands in Bozeman. Bill loved animals of all kinds. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, gold panning, woodworking, and was an excellent artist. He also enjoyed studying history. He spent a great deal of time exploring ghost towns and ruins throughout Montana. Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor and the pranks and practical jokes he pulled. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Hippert, brother-in-law, Darrow Hippert, and nephew Kody Christensen. Survivors include his wife, Mary; children, Tod (Tiffaney) Christensen of Livingston and Aimee (Colin) Higbie of Middletown, VA; grandchildren, Tyler Christensen and Brynn Higbie; brothers, Ron (Tobe) Green of Bozeman, Russell (Sandy) Green of Pony, Richard Green of Harrison, and Jay (JoAnn) Christensen of Belgrade; brother-in-law, Dan Monroe of Helena; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Memorials in Bill#8217;s name may be made to the Pioneer Museum, 317 W. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715, Heart of the Valley Humane Society, PO Box 11390, Bozeman, MT 59719, or the Montana Historical Society, PO Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 25, 2011 at the American Legion in Bozeman.