Obituary: Albert Lunden Christensen

Albert Lunden Christensen was born in Sacramento, California, on Aug. 11, 1939, to Esther and Carl Christensen. When he was still a young boy the family moved to Roseburg, Oregon, where his father entered the restaurant business. Albert grew up with his two brothers on a small family farm along the South Umpqua River.

Albert Lunden Christensen

During his years at Roseburg High School, Albert was an avid member of the Rifle Club, where he honed his marksmanship and won many competitions. After graduating with the Class of 1957, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served for six years.

Education was always important to Albert and, after a decade of working his way through several Oregon colleges, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Oregon. In 1970 Albert moved to Alaska, with hopes of joining the oil pipeline project. When that opportunity didn’t materialize, he turned his determination toward learning the drywall, taping, and painting trades. This led to the founding of Southeast Interiors Inc., after he settled in Juneau in 1972. Albert successfully operated the company until his retirement in 2015.

While in college Albert married his first wife, Judy Admire, who had two young sons. Together they had two sons, Carl and Russell. Though the marriage later ended, Albert found love again with Beverly Allen, who had three sons of her own. In 2004 Beverly passed away. In 2007 Albert met Cheryl Funaro, who had three grown children, and the two married in 2012. Upon retiring in 2015, Albert and Cheryl moved to Junction City, Oregon, and later, in 2022, a move back to Juneau was made to be near family as health needs increased.

Albert loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and spent countless joyful hours on the water. As a member of the Juneau Golf Club, he enjoyed traveling to tournaments, and after moving to Junction City, he played or practiced golf nearly every day.

On June 19, 2026, this brilliant, hardworking, and kind man passed away peacefully at home from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Albert was preceded in death by his younger brother, Herb Christensen of Junction City, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Christensen; his older brother, Matt (Ina) Christensen of Coos Bay, Oregon; his sons Carl (Dianna) Christensen and Russell (Jennifer) Christensen and grandchildren Aidan and Mackenzie; and stepchildren Jennifer Hayes, William Hayes, Ed Hayes, Don Admire, and Steve Allen. He is also lovingly remembered by many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Albert’s ashes will be scattered in local waters. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.