Neil Christenson, a proud North Dakotan, passed away on December 21, 2025.

Born April 29, 1951, in Grafton, North Dakota, Neil was the second youngest child of Edythe and Leonard Christenson. He spent his early years on the family farm north of Bowesmont, building a foundation of hard work, loyalty, and community that guided him throughout his life.

Neil graduated from Drayton High School in 1969 and attended Valley City State College, majoring in mathematics.  Neil joined the ROTC program while at VCSC. After graduation, he served in the United States Army. During his years of service, he was married and welcomed six children, all while traveling the world in devotion to his country. In his 40s, Neil furthered his education and earned a Master of Science in Construction Management, reflecting his commitment to learning and his profession.

Following his military career, Neil worked in the Washington, D.C., area until retirement. He remained deeply connected to his North Dakota heritage and was an active member of a local curling club, where he formed lasting friendships. After retiring, Neil embraced life with humor, curiosity, and warmth.

Fulfilling a lifelong goal, Neil returned home to North Dakota in 2016. He cherished time with his siblings, loved sharing stories of the "old days," and held a deep affection for the people of North Dakota. His laughter, storytelling, and gift for connecting with others will be profoundly missed by his large extended family—including cousins, nieces, and nephews—and by many friends. Raised as a good Methodist, Neil found comfort in his faith, which was a steady source of peace and strength, particularly in recent years.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Edythe and Leonard; his brothers Earl, Dale, and Glenn; his sister-in-law Linda Christenson; his niece Elizabeth Teske; and his nephew Jason Christenson.

He is survived by his six children: Jeff (Amy), Heather (Kelly), Andrea (John), Travis (Heather), Adora (Ponch), and Kara (Aaron); his grandchildren—Jonathan, Katarina, Sean, Lucas, Noelle, Nick, Kindred, Ana (Logan), Adria, Harper, Summer, Alexandra, Arriana, Jackson, and Neil; his great-grandchildren, Maggie and Wes; and his siblings Duane, Cheryl (Wade), Shirley, George (Donna) and Cleo (sister-in-law).

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Drayton United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held in the church for an hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Bowesmont Cemetery.

The family invites those who knew Neil to remember him with a smile, a story, and the spirit of community he treasured.