Richard James Christenson

Richard James Christenson, age 63, of Deerbrook, WI, passed away October 20, 2025, at his home. Richard was known professionally as Rich and to his closest friends and family as Dickie.
Rich was born on March 25, 1962, in Oshkosh, WI to the late Richard and Margaret (Peterson) Christenson.Rich was a graduate of L.P. Goodrich High School, Fond du Lac, WI. He then graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh, WI.Rich prided himself on his skills as the City Assessor for the City of Franklin, WI and as an appraiser for Tyler Technologies. He proudly maintained his real estate license, despite becoming disabled in his fifties with degenerative disc disease, when he was no longer able to work. Rich’s stage name was “Clark Stanley” when he was the bassist for the garage band The Stanleys. While he was a member of the band, The Stanleys opened for REO Speedwagon in Milwaukee at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Rich began playing the guitar at the age of 9, following in his mother’s footsteps, who was also a singer and guitarist.Rich enjoyed golfing, skiing, snowboarding, rollerblading and held the title of mini golf champ in his youth at Lakeside Park, Fond du lac. Rich was very athletic and excelled at pole vaulting in high school.Rich was told his years were limited because of his health, so he moved from Milwaukee to a little cabin on Borth Lake in Deerbrook, a lifelong dream.Survivors include his children Amanda Backus (Andrew) of Waukesha, WI; Trinity (16), Brody (14) and Olivia (12) of Greendale, WI; grandson Lincoln Backus (9) of Waukesha; sister Kim Domini of Woodruff, WI; nephews Michael (Sarah) Domini of Duluth, MN and Matthew (Michelle) Domini of Eagan, MN and great niece and nephews Olivia, Brooks and Blake Domini of Duluth, MN.Dickie was an incredible son, amazing brother, loving father, grandfather and uncle. Dickie maintained close friendships with many of his friends dating back to grade school and is loved by many. If you were lucky enough to cross Dickie’s path, you instantly became his friend. Dickie could recite word for word from any comedy show. We will all miss his wit and sense of humor. May you rest peacefully now, Dickie.A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.