Darryl Jay Christensen died unexpectedly in his home in Eau Claire on April 28, 2025, at the age of 76. Darryl was born in Minnesota, though lived most of his life in Polk County, Wisconsin (beside a lake called "East Lake" or "Lotus Lake" depending upon who you ask...) fishing with his sons, hunting with friends and relatives, and cherrying out vintage cars in his small home garage near Osceola. Darryl and his wife Deb moved to Eau Claire a handful of years ago and have been enjoying their home and friends here in the Chippewa Valley. Darryl is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deborah Christensen (nee Schwartz); son Shawn Christensen (Theresa Carlson); sister Bonita Krueger (David Krueger); brothers Brett and Gregory Medenwaldt; sister Connie Medenwaldt; granddaughters Derien and Faith Christensen; and many more relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his son Aaron Christensen; his father Chris Christensen; his mother Dorothy Medenwaldt (nee Knipfel); his sister Sharon Hall (nee Christensen); and his brother Ritchie Medenwaldt. Darryl was an avid hunter and fisherman and always loved a journey to visit Lake Superior or any of the walleye lakes in the Minnesota/Wisconsin region. He was a big fan of car shows and races-particularly top fuel dragsters at Brainerd International Speedway. He also enjoyed watching BattleBots, which always got some laughter and a few hoots out of him. An interesting and heartwarming thing about him in his later years: spending more time at home and indoors, he developed an affinity for nature documentaries-especially anything with baby animals-in fact, he grew to find great joy in film and photos of puppies, kittens, and tiny creatures of all sorts...baby photos and those of small innocent wildlife and pets seemed to soften his heart and make him smile. There will be a visitation for Darryl on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Online condolences for Darryl's family may be left at www.lenmarkfh.com. Any floral arrangements may be coordinated with: Brent Douglas Flowers 610 S Barstow St Eau Claire, WI 54701 (715) 831-0997 https://brentdouglasflowers.com/