Derek A. Christensen August 08, 1973 – April 04, 2019 Share this obituary Upload Photo| View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card Derek Ames Christensen, 45, passed away on April 4, 2019. Derek Ames Christensen was born in Sioux Falls, SD on August 8, 1973, to his parents, Robert (Bob) and Linda Christensen. He was raised along with his brother, Ryan J Christensen in Sioux Falls.
Derek was an active, avid sports fan. He played varsity basketball and varsity football at Lincoln High School, graduating in 1991. After High School he attended the University of South Dakota, and transferred to the University of Minnesota, completing his degree in 4 years and graduating with honors.
Derek discovered his talents in connecting with others and worked for 10 years in Minneapolis, first as a funeral director, and then as a stock broker. Derek returned to Sioux Falls in 2007, finishing his career with Heritage Funeral Home. When Derek was just 4 years old, he started his long love for fast pitch softball, both pitching and playing shortstop.
He continued to play until 2003, where he finished by playing shortstop for the Champion team in the World Tournament held in Victoria, BC. In that tournament, he was voted #1 hitter for the tournament. Derek continued his love of this sport, as he was presently serving as assistant coach for Chloee’s softball team.
The love of Derek’s life was his only child, Chloee, age 8. He was always proud of her attitude, her abilities, and her heart! She has a heart like her daddy and now is also finding that she has a talent like daddy.
Derek is missed today, and will always be missed by those that love him, his daughter, Chloee Ames Christensen; his parents, Bob and Linda Christensen, all of Sioux Falls; his only brother, Ryan J Christensen and his wife, Lori, of Brookings, SD; his nephews, Tyler (Rachael) Christensen (US Army), Colorado Springs, Co; and Travis Christensen, Sioux Falls; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Derek was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Opal Christensen, Tyler, MN, and his maternal grandparents, Pete and Alma Doeksen, of Eagan, Minnesota. If you wish to contribute to a memorial, in lieu of flowers, Derek’s wishes would have been to receive memorial funds that will be used to establish an education fund for Chloee.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Monday, April 8, 2019 at Celebrate Church, 1000 S. Sycamore Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00pm Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Heritage Funeral Home with his family present. For a full obituary go to www.
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