Donald M. Christensen, age 64, of Bluffton, S.C., a former Plainfield resident and Plainfield Central High School girls track tream coach, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 1, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga.

He was born and raised in Chicago, attended Lewis College, and took a teaching job at Laraway School, where he remained for his entire career. Don coached volleyball and track at Laraway and wrestling at Joliet East High School.

When his children became involved in hockey and track, he volunteered his time to manage the Plainfield hockey team and to coach with the Joliet Sonics summer track program. During his last two years of teaching, he coached with the Plainfield Central girls' track team and had the unique pleasure to coach alongside his daughter.

Upon retirement from teaching, he moved to Sun City in Bluffton with his wife of 41 years, Carole. There he enjoyed a life of golf and travel and spending many occasions with newly acquired friends. He continued to serve his new community by volunteering his time with Sun City Safety & Service, managing audio for the community theater, and becoming his neighborhood representative and serving on its council board. He had an impact on all who knew him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Severine.

Don leaves behind brothers, Marty and Ken (Kimberly); several nieces and nephews, and the loves of his life, his wife, Carole; son, Derek, and daughter, Shelley.

A celebration of Don's life was held on Saturday, May 5, in Bluffton, and another will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Community Christian Church, 13731 S. U.S. 30, in Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's name to the American Cancer Society directly or through his daughter's Relay For Life page.