Renae Christensen
Renae Christensen, beloved mother and trusted friend, passed away December 5, 2024 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was 62. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, 2024 at Community Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12 at Community Reformed Church. Burial will take place in Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that Renae’s memory be honored by a donation made in her name to one of the following charities: Children’s Miracle Network, Feed One, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Renae Christensen was born on November 15, 1962 in Orange City, Iowa to Henry and Loretta (Korver) DeHaan. She attended Floyd Valley High School and graduated in 1981 as class valedictorian. After high school, Renae attended Morningside University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science.
Following college graduation, Renae worked as a nurse in Amarillo, Texas and later in Rochester, Minnesota. She finally moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she began her decades-long career at Sanford (Sioux Valley) Hospital. Renae worked in many units at the hospital, including intensive care, same-day surgery, the clinical call center, hospice services, and dialysis. Her care and expertise touched countless lives throughout all her nursing career.
Renae filled her life with faith, community, and purpose. She was an active member of Community Reformed Church. Renae became involved in several women’s groups, helped with Sunday school, and was a member of the church’s student mentoring program. While words are not sufficient to describe what a wonderful mother, friend, and sister Renae was, her empathy and caring heart are her lasting legacy. She was able to walk alongside people in different struggles, prayed diligently for everyone she knew, and freely gave the best, most comforting hugs. In sorrow, in celebration, or in the mundane, Renae showed up for those she loved. To know her authentically was to love her deeply.
Renae’s loving spirit was shared by many, including the children she gave the best parts of her life to; Jenna Hubers (Jacob), Joel Christensen (Elsa Watkins), and Jared Christensen (Rose Hoffelt). She is also survived by her siblings; Doug DeHaan (Pam), Rona Harmelink (Keith), and Derrick DeHaan (Pam). Renae’s life also deeply impacted a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Renae was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Loretta DeHaan of Orange City, Iowa.