Teren Joel Christensen

Teren Joel Christensen

1987 – 2022

 Teren Joel Christensen, our much-beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend, passed away peacfully in his sleep on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Teren is survived by his mother Kathy Christensen, his brothers Toby, Tory and Trevor, sisters-in-law Josie and Janie, and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Todd Christensen.

Teren was born in California in 1987 and diagnosed early with Spina Bifida, an affliction that would present life-long physical challenges. Fortunately, his cognitive development was not affected, and he soon exhibited a personality that would endear him to family and friends throughout life. Teren was quick to laugh, quick to love, quick to forgive, and patient in suffering. He was a sweet boy and remained a sweet man.

As a child Teren walked with leg braces and underwent various corrective surgeries and therapies but managed to still attend and excel in public school and make friends. Kathy, his mother and caregiver, was his co-sufferer and co-rejoicer in every setback and every victory. The impact and value her love and care provided his life cannot be overstated nor can the impact and value Teren’s life has had to his mother.

Teren was a committed and highly-contributing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in varied capacities. The ward families with whom he loved and served also surrounded him with love and together their lives were blessed.

Teren was a living embodiment of perseverance to those privileged to observe him. The setbacks we may have suffered, always paled in comparison to Teren’s daily lot. The fact he lived and kept trying, in spite of pain and difficulty, meant all of us without such obstacles had little excuse not to try.

Teren was confined to a wheelchair at the age of twelve owing to complications from spinal surgery. Teren’s father Todd helped Teren strengthen his muscles through weight training and increase his endurance through arm-pedaling a stationary bike and swimming. Teren was an avid weightlifter all his adult-life and found great pleasure in associating with other fitness enthusiasts at the gym.

Teren received a Master’s degree in Social Work from BYU, the same college field of study as his father, and found challenge and satisfaction working as a therapist starting in 2012.  His work required patience, which Teren possessed, and he valued the contribution he made to patients as well as his association with co-workers.

In 2013, perhaps the greatest trial of Teren’s life occurred when his father Todd died. Teren loved his father dearly, and lost a personal trainer and friend in addition to a father. Despite the devastation, as it was Teren’s nature to persevere, Teren probably achieved his greatest physical fitness during this time. He was committed to a strict diet and went regularly to the gym. He improved his well-being and felt close to his father at the same time.  Even after another serious surgery in 2016 left him bedridden for 6 months, as soon as he was able to get out of bed, he went right back to work on the bike and in the gym.

Teren loved Photoshop and developed a skill pairing striking images with meaningful thoughts and quotations, almost always pointing people toward Jesus Christ. He found passion taking photographs of family and friends and turning them into oil paintings or sketches and worked in Photoshop almost every day of his life, often sharing his work on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.  Through his Photoshop work and other on-line efforts, Teren developed many more valuable associations and continually tried to – and did – influence all he contacted for good. 

Teren was a strong man, a kind man, a gentle man. His life experience shaped him into a person so many people found to be a great listener, comforting and genuinely good.  His passing is a painful shock for his family and friends, but he leaves a terrific legacy of love, persistence, and proximity to the Savior.

Funeral services for Teren will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10:30 am in the Alpine North Stake Center Chapel, located at 1125 East Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Alpine North Stake Center Chapel and again at an additional viewing on Saturday morning from 9:15-10:15 am prior to services at the church. For those who wish to stream the service, the following link will be used: https://zoom.us/j/94527326569