Olav H. Christensen

Olav Hartvig Christensen, 74, of Danville passed away on March 11, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

He was born on June 22, 1944 in Odense, Denmark, Europe. Olav was the son of Oskar Herman and Yelva J. (Lundin) Christensen. He married Cydra L. Vacketta on June 2, 1979 and she survives.

Olav will be deeply missed by his wife, Cydra, children; Sally Bernice Christensen Baker, Julie Anne (Paul) Beer, Neil Allen Christensen, Tove Kalee (Justin) Adams, sister, Inge Irene Christensen Colby, grandchildren, Erik and Adam Phillips, several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Carla (Richard) Henry, brothers-in-law, Ted (Betsy) Vacketta and Gregor Vacketta, mother-in-law, Linda Vacketta and his beloved rescue dog "Bo".

He was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law, Theodore Vacketta.

Olav immigrated from Denmark at the age of 7 in 1951 along with his parents, sister, aunt, 2 uncles and 3 cousins, across the Atlantic Ocean for 7 days and nights. He lived in Canada for 4 years before coming to the United States in 1956. He became a naturalized citizen of the U.S.A. He attended Danville schools, DACC, undergraduate from the University of Illinois and received his masters degree from Eastern Illinois University.

Olav enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1969. He worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for several years. Olav retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections as a counselor and teacher. He was a member of Kiwanis Club and the Danville Art League. He loved to paint, especially portraits. He also loved to sing and play his guitar for groups of children, especially the song, "The Lion Hunt". Olav enjoyed playing golf, working in his yard and was an avid Illini fan.

A celebration of Olavs life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville, 3940 North Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834 with Pastor Adam Harmon officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Danville Kiwanis, Danville Art League or Curtis G. Redden Post #210 in Danville. Please join Olavs family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Friday March 15, 2019 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Saturday March 16, 2019 11:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834