Nels Christensen Obituary

Nels Anchor Christensen, known by many as NAC II,passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, in Chico,one day before his 85th birthday, with his son Nels(NAC III) sitting by his side.Born into a family rooted in hard work and integrity,NAC II was the son of Danish immigrant Niels Anker Kristensen and Mabel Valentine. Together, his parents built a dairy farm in Chico, where NAC II grew up alongside his four older sisters.A graduate of Chico High School in 1958, Nels was an outstanding multi-sport athlete, especially on the basketball court. He earned a basketball scholarship to attend Stanford University where he stayed for law school and graduated with honors in 1965.In 1963, Nels married his high school sweetheart,Karen Ann Penner, at Grace Baptist Church of Chico,where they were faithful members for over 50 years.Nels built a distinguished career as a Chico attorney,known for his competency and honesty. For more than 30 years, he practiced law as a partner at Laughlin & Christensen with his brother-in-law Robert E. Laughlin. Later, he continued practicing law alongside John Schwarz at Christensen & Schwarz until his full retirement in 2020 at age 80.
For many years, Nels shared his passion for basketball as an assistant coach for the Pleasant Valley Girls Varsity team, including during their undefeated season and historic 1985 state championship win-a team led in scoring by his own daughter, Kari Christensen(Applegate).
He loved being in the mountains hunting, or on his annual family camping trips to Manzanita Lake.These trips were always filled with delicious food,incredible hikes, cold lake swims, long afternoons spent reading, communing with birds, and gaggles of granddaughters dancing around the campfire to lively folk music! After his beautiful wife and guiding light passed away in 2021 from cancer shortly after their 58th wedding anniversary, Nels rediscovered moments of joy through regular visits to Gray Lodge WildlifeArea in Gridley. His daughter Kari, son Nels, or grandson Koll often joined him on these birding and photography adventures, which were usually fueled by maple bars from Donut Nook or tasty "grub"from In-N-Out.Nels is survived by his three children: Kirsten Ann(James Roberts), Kari Elizabeth (Roy Applegate),and Nels Anchor (Jess Roberts), and by five beloved grandchildren: Koll Roberts (Sabine Ludwig), ElizabethApplegate, Charlotte Stielau (Stuart Stielau), MaryKaren Applegate, and Emmylou Roberts Christensen.A service is planned for 8/17/25 at 3:00 pm at Grace Community Church. Donations may be made to GrayLodge Wildlife Area or Grace Community Church o fChico.Nels will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his integrity and unwavering love for his family.Arrangements are entrusted to Brusie FuneralHome in Chico, CA