Terry D. Christensen, age 71, of Hill City, MN, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

Terry was born March 9, 1955, in Anchorage, Alaska to Dean and Audrey (Lisk) Christensen. In 1962 at the age of 7, Terry and his family moved to Hill City, Minnesota. He graduated with the Class of 1973 from Hill City High School and went on to attend Itasca Community College for a short time.

In 1975 Terry joined the Hill City Fire Department where he held multiple positions including Chief until his retirement in 1991. In 1989 Terry was offered and accepted the position of arson investigator for the State Fire Marshal's Office in Owatonna, Minnesota, and a year later transferred to a territory closer to home in northern Minnesota where he worked until his retirement in 2010. In his retirement Terry continued as a private arson investigator for EFI both in Alaska and northern Minnesota. Terry enjoyed the outdoors and all that northern Minnesota had to offer, but his life in fire investigation was his true passion.

On February 1, 2008, Terry was united in marriage to Gwen Sawdey, and they have resided in Anchorage, Alaska and Minnesota during their 18 years together.

He was preceded in death by his father Dean Christensen; sister Kim LaReau, nephew Kaleb Christensen; and brother-in-law Jim Bailey.

Terry is survived by his wife Gwen; daughters Jennifer Christensen McNellis (and David), and Bryanna Blodgett; grandchildren Kaylee Christensen McNellis, Levi McNellis, Embry Blodgett, and Domenic McNellis; mother Audrey Christensen; brother-in-law Blaine (Patty) Sawdey; sister-in-law Gail Bailey; brother Bruce Christensen (Shelby), and many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Terry will be held from 11:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday, June 20th at the Hill City Fire Hall.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.