William L. “Bill” Christensen, 65, of Canal Winchester, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022, after a valiant 2-year battle against ALS.
Bill was born August 26, 1956, in Bowling Green to the late Dale and Alyce (Pettyplace) Christensen. He graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1975, and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1979 with a degree in civil engineering. Like his father, Bill went on to work at the Ohio Department of Transportation, retiring after over 30 years of service in 2011.
Bill was a very proud Buckeye and showed off his love for his alma mater in any way he could, from his endless Ohio State apparel to his various memorabilia all throughout his home. Bill loved to travel, from his bike rides around the country in his younger years to his vacations across the pond. In 2020, he crossed off his fiftieth state with a trip to Alaska.
Bill was also passionate about serving his community, and had the opportunity to serve 25 years through Lions Club International. Bill served multiple office positions as a member of the Canal Winchester Lions, including chapter President from 2002-2003 and as Treasurer from 2006-2021. He also served as the District Governor for District 13-F from 2007-2008. He was bestowed the highest award, the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, at least 12 times, most recently in 2021. His fellow Lions can attest to his good work ethic that was consistently displayed through his efficient running of meetings and ability to connect with others across the country.
Although Bill never had children, he will always be remembered as “Uncle Bill” to his many nieces and nephews that he had the joy of watching grow up over the last 38 years. He also stayed in touch with several of his Christensen cousins at family reunions held throughout northwest Ohio.
Bill is survived by his brother, R. Scott (Mary) Christensen of Howell, Michigan; brother-in-law Thomas Zapiecki of Grand Rapids; nieces Lynda (Dan) MacDonald of New Albany, Sarah (Adam Terpstra) of West Chester, Christine (Kevin) Rahrig of Zanesville, Alissa Zapiecki of Springfield; nephews Trevor Zapiecki of St. Paul, Minnesota, Brian Zapiecki of Los Angeles, California; great nephews Gavin Christensen and Isaac William Terpstra; great nieces Madelyn, Melayna, and Maradyth MacDonald, and Hazel Terpstra. He is also survived by his former wife, Jacqueline M. Miller, and her family.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Zapiecki, in 2015.
The family would especially like to thank the staff of Capital City Hospice and Carroll Place Assisted Living Facility for taking such good care of Bill and engaging in OSU-Michigan rivalry banter with him over the last two years. After his diagnosis, Bill made sure to maintain a positive outlook, and that is how we will remember him.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 19, from 2:00 to 3:00 with a service to follow at 3:00 at Dwayne R Spence Funeral Home, 650 West Waterloo Street, Canal Winchester, OH 43110.
