Sherwood ‘Chris’ D. Christensen

Sherwood "Chris" D. Christensen, age 87, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Nov. 30, 2016, in the Fischer Cottage at St. John's Nursing Home in Billings.

He was born on Sept. 16, 1929, on the family farm south of Taylor, N.D., to parents Anders and Emma Christensen. Chris attended Taylor High School, played on the Redbirds basketball team, and graduated in 1947. After high school, he moved to Billings and went to work at Montana Power. Starting as a meter reader, Chris advanced to line crew grunt, journeyman lineman climbing power poles, city foreman and state safety director. He transferred to Western Energy and was a safety inspector in Colstrip until his retirement in 1989.

Chris married the love of his life, Betty J. Kamlowsky, on Oct. 19, 1952, in Billings. Together, they had two sons, James and Frank. Chris enjoyed raising a family, coaching and watching his sons participate in baseball, basketball and track. He was a member of the Al Bedoo Shrine and Ashlar Lodge #29, where he was a past Master of the Lodge in Billings.

After retirement, Chris and his wife Betty enjoyed many winters in Sun City West, Ariz.; summers in Montana; and their log cabin in Joliet. He loved golfing and following his favorite sports teams: the Denver Broncos, L.A. Dodgers and L.A. Lakers. Chris also enjoyed woodworking, and had an extensive tool collection in his home work shop. After his wife Betty passed, Chris volunteered for many years at the Cancer Center in the Billings Clinic, providing comfort and support to the patients and families going through treatment.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Anders and Emma; his wife, Betty; and brothers Clifford and Duane. Chris is survived by his son, James (Anne); son Frank (Michelle); brother Harlow (Tena); sister (Betty Janssen); brother-in-law Frank Kamlowsky (Dorothy); sister-in-law Margery Christensen; his grandson, Brian (Andrea), great-grandsons Dylan and Will; grandson Tyler, granddaughter Rachel (Aaron Olson), and great-grandson Evan. Chris is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are with Michelotti-Sawyers, and cremation has taken place. A gravesite memorial will be held in the Spring 2017, with final interment next to his beloved wife Betty at the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. John's Nursing Home, Mission Ridge, The Vista and The Cottages for their loving care and support.