Frank Allen Christenson's Obituary
Frank Allen Christenson left us on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2026. Susan Gilbert Christenson lost her knight in shining armor. Charlie Christenson Cressall and Kerri Christenson Nakamura lost the best and most supportive Dad two women could ever hope for. Shawn Cressall and Frank Nakamura lost a dream father-in-law who welcomed them into the family enthusiastically and warmly. Most profoundly, Rail and Holly Cressall and Jani and Michael Nakamura (Daljit Kaur) lost a kindhearted Poppy who made each grandchild feel welcomed, seen, and unconditionally loved.
The comments that have poured in since Frank’s passing have touched us deeply as people repeatedly describe Frank as kind, full of joy, exceptionally good, generous, a great neighbor and friend, best hugger, and happy whistler to name a few. His many nieces, nephews, as well as kids who grew up with Charlie and Kerri shared Frank’s impact and strong influence on their lives. He taught so many young people how to fish, waterski, ride a motorcycle, play poker, stargaze, and most importantly, tailgate at Utah Football games. But his effects didn’t stop there, friends of Rail, Holly, Jani, and Michael shared stories of Frank’s impact on their lives. We are overwhelmed that the ripples of his humble influence touched so many.
Frank had two careers simultaneously, both of which brought him immense joy. First, Frank spent 39 years working for United Airlines. He worked mostly at the Salt Lake City International Airport but spent a few years working in Denver and Chicago. Frank also spent 32 years proudly serving his country in the Utah Air National Guard. He spent time in both the 199th Communications Unit and the 130th EIS. Frank retired as a Master Sergeant, the highest rank possible for someone who is part-time. Until just a few weeks ago, Frank shared daily coffee with some of his National Guard and other buddies at McDonald’s, and he attended monthly National Guard retiree breakfasts. Frank was also active with the United Airlines retirees’ group.
In his retirement, Frank spent several years as a “green coat” during legislative sessions at the Utah State Senate. He enjoyed (and was sometimes dismayed) watching the political process play out, but he delighted in the friendships and conversations that lasted well beyond the 45 days of each session.
Frank is best known for nearly 30 years of hosting Utah tailgate parties. He pulled his tailgate trailer with a hearse that played “Utah Man” when the horn was honked. He was thrilled when his trailer and hearse were selected to be part of the ESPN Game Day celebration during the Urban Meyer era. For years he entered his tailgate rig in the Salt Lake St. Patrick’s Day parade, much to the delight of Rail, Holly, Jani, Michael, and their friends who got to tag along. Frank enjoyed participating in Crimson Club activities and being referred to as a “Utah Man!” This past season, Frank fought hard against health issues to attend football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, and gymnastics meets. Frank was overwhelmed by the efforts of the Crimson Club team that made it possible for him to watch Utah’s final home football game during the 2025 season from special access seats at the 50-yard line. His and our gratitude is deep that he was able to take in one last game at Rice Eccles.
Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed reading history, exploring the Utah desert, especially the Robber’s Roost and San Rafael Swell areas, and in later years, spending time at Bear Lake. He also enjoyed attending the Wasatch Speaker Series. Frank’s life was well rounded and well lived.
Frank was born in Salt Lake City on July 6, 1942, as the first child of Frank W. and Wanda B. Christenson. He grew up in Salt Lake, except for a short stay in Cheyenne, Wyoming and 18 months living in Honolulu. He often shared stories of attending 3rd and 4th grades in Honolulu. Frank graduated from West High School and remained active with the West High School alumni group.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved younger brother Larry. He is also preceded in death by his Gilbert brothers-in-law Duane, Rhoton, Jack, Dean, Bub, and sister-in-law Frances (Grant) Hunsaker.
He is lovingly survived by his constant companion Susan, daughter Charlie and her family Shawn, Rail, and Holly Cressall, and daughter Kerri and her family Frank, Jani, and Michael Nakamura (Daljit Kaur). He also is survived by his Gilbert brothers-in-law Alex (Diane), Jimmie (Donna), sisters-in-law Ginger Daniels, Sharon Gilbert, Shanna Gilbert, Susan Merrill Christenson, a host of adoring nieces and nephews, and his brother Brent (Doreen) Christenson.
Frank’s final act of generosity was as an organ donor. He signed up to donate years ago when the program was first offered. His eyes were donated to help others see.
Please join the family for a final tailgate to celebrate Frank on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Ken Garff Club at the University of Utah Rice Eccles Stadium, 451 S 1400 East. Please dress casually in red, white, or Utah gear!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Frank’s memory to the University of Utah Marching Band.
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