JAMES "BUD" CHRISTENSEN

James "Bud" Christensen, a beloved former resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on March 3, 2025 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, at the remarkable age of 97.

Born James Elwood Christensen on August 1, 1927, in Viborg, South Dakota, he was the son of Samuel and Mary Christensen.  Bud graduated from Viborg High School in 1946.  He soon moved to Sioux Falls and began his career with Donahue Furniture. He worked for the Donahue family for over 35 years and retired in 1989.

On October 3, 1948, Bud married his beloved wife Ruth A. Hoisington in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and joy. They welcomed three daughters—Sandi, Cindy, and Pam — into their family. They created wonderful memories while traveling, camping, and spending time at their lake cabin. Bud had a passion for life. He enjoyed fishing with his family and friends, especially his fishing buddy Rich Larsen. He also enjoyed playing cards and board games with his daughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. Truly, his greatest joy came from the time spent with his family, embracing each moment.

For over 70 years, Bud and Ruth were devoted members of the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls.  Bud actively participated in the Wedded Band Church Group, the Elks Club, the Moose Lodge and the Minneakota Travelers Club.  In his retirement, Bud and Ruth took great pleasure in traveling south with their RV club, pursuing new adventures. Bud always loved a road trip, just about anywhere.

Following Ruth's passing in 2019, Bud moved to Lewiston, Idaho to be closer to family.

Bud's legacy lives on through his daughters and their families: Sandi (Charlie) Hamm of Lake Tahoe, CA; Cindy (David) Doeringsfeld of Meridian, Idaho; and Pam Young of Valdosta, Georgia.  He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Jennifer (Pat) Ross; Greg (Liz) Hamm; Danielle (Reed) Shaffner; Jayme (Josh) Kern; Ben (Courtney) Young and Cameron Young.  Bud's great-grandchildren include: Will Ross, Allison Ross, Stryder Hamm, Kinsley Hamm, Theo Shaffner, Sloane Shaffner, Lenora Kern, Sullivan Kern, Emma Gray Young and Hadley Young as well as many other family members and friends who will remember him fondly.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Mary Christensen; three brothers: Gifford, Delmer, and Rowell Christensen; three sisters: Garnett, Verda, and Winifred; his son-in-law Kevin Young and of course his beloved wife of 71 years, Ruth Christensen.

To celebrate Bud's life, a family graveside service will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Woodlawn Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 am at Falls Park in Sioux Falls where friends and family can come together to honor his memory and the impact, he had on all of our lives.