Joan Christenson

Joan Christenson, 58, of Columbia passed away Feb. 12, 2013, at Columbia Healthcare. Joan was born March 26, 1954, in Columbia, Mo., to Paul and Patricia Chambers Christenson. She participated in several Special Olympics and won numerous medals in her two favorite sports, bowling and basketball. She was very proud of each one of them. She cherished visiting with family for holidays, especially at Christmas. Joan loved her friends at the Boone County Group Home and Columbia Healthcare, and most of all she loved Jesus Christ. Joan was a very special person with an exceptional spirit that brought joy to all she encountered. She is survived by one brother, Mike Christenson of Arkansas; one sister, Debbie Christenson, Kansas; nine nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at Columbia Healthcare on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Memorial donations in honor of Joan may be made to Special Olympics, 1001 Diamond Ridge, Suite 800, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Online tributes may be left at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.