Richard Christensen

Wesley Richard Christensen (Rick), 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 1, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Rick was born on February 4, 1943, in Shelley, to Wesley and Dorothy Christensen. As the oldest of seven children, he grew up on the family farm, where he developed the values that would guide him throughout his life: hard work, strong hands, steady character, humility, resourcefulness, and devotion to family. From a young age, Rick worked diligently moving pipe, and helping with seed and chemical sales. The Christensen family garden was legendary for its abundance, and Rick loved helping fill the trunks and pickup beds of friends, neighbors, and relatives with fresh produce.

Rick married Paula Kohler in May 1963.

After high school, Rick attended Ricks College. Following graduation, he moved to Las Vegas, where he worked for General Electric at the Nevada Test Site in a high-security position supporting nuclear testing operations. After, he worked for RCA in Bountiful, UT and Tempe, AZ,

Rick and Paula eventually returned to Idaho to raise their four amazing children. Rick purchased half of Kohler Building Supply and eventually expanded into metal building construction, leading to the creation of Steel Systems, a company Rick helped build through determination, vision, integrity, and relentless work ethic. After selling his interest in Steel Systems, Rick went on to enjoy a successful career in real estate investments.

In 1994, Rick married the love of his life, Becky Christensen. Together they shared 32 wonderful years filled with unwavering love, travel, golf, camping, and constant companionship. Becky was Rick’s greatest partner and fiercest supporter, especially during his seven-year battle with cancer, which she faced alongside him with extraordinary love and devotion. Their marriage was a beautiful example of loyalty, friendship, and deep affection.

Rick was a loyal and proud member of the Lion’s Club and served as president many times over his 30+ year tenure. Rick also did service missions around the world including Africa to demonstrate to rural villages how to dry and preserve their crops with homemade solar dryers. For his work, he was honored by the US Humanitarian Aid of Africa.

Rick especially loved spending time in Puerto Vallarta. One young boy whom Rick tutored in math on the beach was so impacted by his friendship that he named his first son Ricardo in Rick’s honor. Rick was also famous for creatively piecing together projects with scraps, spare parts, old tools, and goodwill treasures - a skill affectionately known as “rickering it up,” a phrase that always made him smile.

Rick deeply loved his family and took pride in staying connected with them throughout his life. He never missed a birthday phone call and had a remarkable way of making people feel remembered, valued, and loved.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, strong work ethic, and unmistakable optimism. Rick truly viewed life through rose-colored glasses, always choosing to see the good in people and the joy in everyday moments. In his last few years, Rick fulfilled his lifelong dream of wintering in Wellton, AZ in a house on a golf course. It reminded him of cherished memories from his childhood and brought him joy and peace.

His family finds comfort knowing he passed peacefully at home, entirely on his own terms.

Rick’s Celebration of Life will be held where he grew up playing as a child on Saturday, July 18th at 633 E 1250 N, Shelley, ID from 11 am to 1 pm.

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