Dale R. Christenson, Sr., age 90, of Cedar Lake, IN passed away Monday, January 16 ^th , 2012 with his family by his side. He is survived by daughter Lynn (Frank) Ricciardi of Schererville, IN; sons Dale (Irma) Christenson Jr. of Cedar Lake and Robert (Jackie) Christenson of Schererville; step children Frank Lazzaro, Jr. of Isles of Capri, FL and Sheryl Lazzaro of Schererville; brothers Milford (Margaret) Christenson of Griffith, Ervy (Sue) Christenson of Highland and Billy (Betty) Christenson of Sarasota, FL. Beloved grandfather of Mark (Erika), James (Mary), Joel, Gretchen, Zachary and Hannah Christenson; Paula (Scott) Dunnett; Katrina, Marcella and Chloe Ricciardi; Brittany (Duke) LaMere and Gina and Joe Lazzaro and 10 great grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by son Vernon Christenson; parents Warner and Frieda Christenson; sister Lela (Bud) Dressel; brothers Roy (Mary Lorraine) Christenson and Art (Mary) Christenson.

Mr. Christenson, co-owner of Christenson Chevrolet, was an Army veteran of WWII, longtime businessman in Griffith and Highland and a volunteer at St. Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point. Dale's career path took a long and winding road as he spent time as a machinist, a heavy equipment operator, in many of the building trades and worked for several family businesses before devoting all of his efforts to the Chevrolet dealership in Highland. In his free time, Dale loved to be with his extended family at "The Cabin" teaching many kids and adults alike how to fish and enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid supporter of Purdue University and longtime member of the John Purdue Club. His patience, devotion, love and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Friends may meet with the family on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at White Funeral Home , 921 W. 45 ^th Ave., Griffith, IN. Funeral Services will be held at White Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ken Puent officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gary, Indiana. For information, please call White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100.