LeRoy W. Christensen, age 78 of Isanti, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on June 12, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Athens Lutheran Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Isanti VFW.
LeRoy Walter Christensen was born on June 28, 1947, in Rush City, Minnesota, to Walter and Eleanor (Bloomquist) Christensen. He grew up in Braham and graduated from Braham High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country, proudly serving in the United States Army from July 1966 to June 1969, including two tours in Vietnam. The values of duty, honor, and service that shaped his military years remained with him throughout his life.
On June 12, 1974, he married the love of his life, Diane Berge, at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and community. Their home was a place where stories were shared, lessons were learned, and memories were made. LeRoy worked as a machinist at Electric Machinery in Minneapolis until his retirement in 2011. While he took great pride in his work, it was his character that left the deepest impression on those around him. He was fiercely loyal to his family, friends, fellow veterans, and community. He was the kind of man people respected—not because he demanded it, but because he earned it through his integrity, humility, and willingness to help others.
Those who knew LeRoy will remember his wonderfully unique sense of humor. He could deliver a perfectly timed joke, a witty observation, or a playful comment that left everyone laughing. He never needed to be the loudest person in the room to be noticed. Often, he was quietly reflecting, listening carefully, and offering thoughtful wisdom when it mattered most. LeRoy had a lifelong love of old Westerns and could often be found enjoying the adventures of cowboys and heroes from a bygone era. Music also brought him joy, filling his days with favorite songs and treasured memories. Above all else, however, his greatest love was his family. Nothing meant more to him than spending time with those he loved, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and creating traditions that will live on for generations.
His commitment to service continued long after his military career ended. LeRoy was deeply involved with Isanti VFW Post 2735, faithfully serving on the Honor Guard and providing military honors at hundreds of funerals, Memorial Day ceremonies, Isanti Jubilee Days events, county fairs, sporting events, and countless other occasions. He believed deeply in honoring veterans and serving others, and he did so with pride and dedication.
LeRoy passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on June 12, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Eleanor Christensen, and by his beloved daughter, Tara.
LeRoy is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Diane; son, Eric (Cathy) Christensen; daughters, Lisa (Rick) Hubley and Tina Christensen; grandchildren, Will (Julia), David, Sarah (Jack), Rebecca (Levi), Cody, and Trey; great-grandchildren, Ruby, Blake, Brinley, and Collins; and many other relatives, friends, fellow veterans, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
While his family and friends mourn the loss of a man who meant so much to so many, they take comfort in imagining him reunited with Tara—dancing together on rainbows, sharing laughter once again. His legacy of love, loyalty, service, humor, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
You will be missed!
Diane, I am so sorry to hear about Leroys passing away. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family families.
We were so sorry to hear of Leroy’s passing! Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I am so sorry Diane. I was very saddened to hear of Leroys passing. I will be thinking of you during this hard time and I hope you can find peace during these days of sorrow.
Diane, know that you and your family are in my PRAYERS!
Another honored Viet Nam vet has passed. We never met, but cousin Diane has helped us to stay in touch as children of the Hanson sisters (Carol and Ruth). Thanks for continuing to serve in all your Color and Honor Guard duties at graveside.
Ron (Viet Nam 67-68 USMC) and Carol Morgan
We were very shocked to hear about LeRoy’s death. We always enjoyed the times we could get together when we were in the cities for Michael’s check ups, and especially the last few years when we were able to go to Twins games and sit in the handicapped section! Those are precious memories for us. Now he will have to send down good vibes to help the Twins win!
Our heartfelt prayers go out to you all, I just know he and Tara were happy to meet at the golden gates.
Diane, So very saddened by the news of LeRoy’s passing. Love having you in PrimeTime Singers, and send our sincere sympathy to you. May the God of Love, bless you in these sad days.
Diane we are so sorry to hear about the loss of LeRoy. Please know the you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa and her family are so loved and our hearts go out to all. We know she’ll miss the Dad she loved and was so blessed to have in her life for her family. To her mother (Diane) our prayers will continue to go up for comfort and healing for you and everyone missing he was daily. We’re so sorry all of you have had this sudden change. Remember God’s faithfulness and His Word to sustain you in the days to come. May you feel God’s love and presence of peace as you trust His hand holding you. Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 26:3, John 14:2,3
Diane,
I’m so sorry to hear Leroy’s passing. I know you will miss him greatly, but know he’ll touch you with the warmth of the sun, a gentle breeze or even in the quiet listening to the sounds of nature around you. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Psalm 116:15
The world was a better place because of Leroy and all he stood for! We always enjoyed his family. My heart hurts for all of you. When someone passes suddenly, it’s certainly a shock, even moreso when they are as personable and friendly as Leroy. Remember that as Sisters and Brothers in Christ, He walks alongside you. I pray you sense God’s love and comfort with you now. We Will see Leroy again when God calls us Home too.
Diane, I am so sorry to hear of Leroy’s passing when I talked to Lisa on the phone Saturday. He was loved by all of us and especially the Rick & Lisa Hubley family in Cornelia,Ga. I always considered Leroy one of our family and he will be missed by all. Know that you and your family will be in our prayers daily. God Bless you all.
Diane and family, I’m deeply sorry and was surprised by LeRoy’s suddden passing. Time and distance precluded me from attending the funeral but I was impressed by the video posting of the funeral service. Just one year my senior, LeRoy and I were close cousins in the extended Bloomquist family. I still remember and treasure memories of summer weeks at Uncles Walt’s dairy farm including baling hay and almost every weekend at Uncle Donnie’s cabin on Rush Lake. I’ve watched with interest his path and avocations over the decades and can easily agree that he left his positive mark on family and commnity. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.