Richard L. Christensen

MORRIS—Richard L. Christensen, “Doc,” 78, of Morris, passed away peacefully, Sunday, April 16, 2017 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.
Born Nov. 30, 1938 in Joliet, Richard Lee was a son of Charles and Lena (nee Ulivi) Christensen. He was raised and educated in Coal City, and attended Coal City Schools where he played basketball and baseball, as well as took part in the school plays. Doc graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1956, and in later years attended Lewis University. He gained employment with Commonwealth Edison, and retired after 38 years of service. Doc was known for trap shooting, participated with the Illinois State Team nationally, and received numerous awards. He also served with the Illinois National Guard.
After retirement, Doc began employment with Reeves Funeral Homes, where he worked alongside Leo and Karen Reeves, and later Matt Baskerville, becoming a key member of the staff and funeral home family. He also spent several years working as Chief Deputy Coroner for Grundy County with John Callahan.
Doc was a member of Assumption Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. He loved to travel, especially to Europe where he skied some of the world’s finest slopes. Doc will be remembered as often times the first person through the doors at Weits Café in Morris, getting the coffee ready for the early birds at the main table. The conversations, laughter and problems solved by that group are legendary. He also was an avid radio enthusiast and Chicago Cubs fan. Doc was beloved by many, and held many titles, however what he most cherished, was being a Papa to his grandsons.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Christensen of Morris; stepdaughters, Stacy (John “Toby”) Hildy of Elmhurst and Angela (Nick) Bertino of Morris; six grandsons: Nathan Sendra, Camden Hildy, Justin Sendra, Simon Hildy, Mason Hildy and Colin Bertino; one brother, Dale (Lynda) Christensen of Coal City; mother-in-law, Virginia (the late Harry) Wollgast of Morris and brothers and sisters-in-law: Sandra Lichner of Florida, Diana (Dana) Hillman of Pennsylvania and David (Debbie) Wollgast of Gardner, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Charles in 1979 and Lena in 2004; one nephew, David Christensen in 2001; sister-in-law, Kathy Christensen in 1991 and great-nephew, Gavin Ulivi in 2006.
Visitation and video tribute will be Thursday, April 20, 2017 between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway, one block north of IL Route 113, in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, with Reverend Robert Noesen from Assumption Catholic Church officiating. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be: Nathan Sendra, Justin Sendra, Camden Hildy, Simon Hildy, Mason Hildy, Colin Bertino, John Hildy, Nick Bertino, David Wollgast, Dana Hillman, Leo Reeves, Matt Baskerville, John Callahan and Robert Coleman.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Doc’s memory to the family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Doc’s memorial page by logging onto www.ReevesFuneral..
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City