Theresa V. Christensen, 87, of Rapid City passed away on May 11, 2025 at Monument Health Hospital.

Theresa was born in Lead, SD on September 19, 1937 to Antone (Tony) and Verle Bauernfeind. She grew up in Lead and graduated high school there.

Theresa had a beautiful voice she sang at several weddings and funerals. She loved to play the piano, she loved planting flowers and gardening. She loved being around family. She could also make some killer wine back in the day.

Theresa is survived by sister Cora (Ken) Hoskins from Ohio, sister Ilene (Lloyd) Wear from Washington, sister Doris (Ralph) Koskela from Nebraska, and two brothers Russell (Peggy) Bauernfeind of Spearfish and Glen Bauernfeind of Spearfish. She is also survived by her 6 children and 6 Stepchildren daughter Cindy (Dennis) Wilson from Wyoming, son Darol (Yvonne) Merriman from Minnesota, daughter Glenda (Don) Johnson from New Mexico, son Todd Merriman of Rapid City, son Troy Christensen of Rapid City, daughter Crystal (Scott) Klabunde of Rapid City. Her stepchildren she loved dearly like her own
Jerry (Diana) Christensen from Alaska, Lynn (Robin) Christensen from Nebraska, Rodney Christensen from Wyoming, Cindy (Larry) Kostaneski of Rapid City, Wendy Watson from California, Tim Christensen from Alaska. She also has several grandchildren and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband Howard Christensen and Father Antone and Mother Verle Bauernfeind, daughter Renae Merriman and stepson Danny Christensen.

A graduation celebration will be held in her memory at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the American Legion Post 22, 818 E. St. Patrick Street in Rapid City.  Private burial will be attended by her family at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Black Hills.