Leslie Eugene Christenson was born July 8, 1934, the eldest son of Everett and Clara (Seele) Christenson. He counted it his good fortune to have been born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Lawrence's Liberty Memorial High School in 1953, and attended Kansas University for two years before moving on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

After completing six months active duty as a six-year Army Reservist in 1960, he moved to Brooklyn Heights, and was employed as an assistant designer in the interior design firm of Michael Greer, Inc., in New York City. In 1962, he purchased an 1840 vintage brownstone row house in Brooklyn Heights and made it his home for the rest of his 47 years in New York. In November, 1965, he established his own interior design firm, Leslie E. Christenson, Ltd., and practiced residential design in the New York City area until he retired at age 72 in 2007.

His years in New York were made golden by many, many people, but especially two men whose friendship and love were special gifts. He met Gilles Perrier in the spring of 1964, and over the years they became brothers. Gilles was called home by God in November, 2003. Joe Tramontano, whom Leslie met in January, 1979, shared his zest for life, and the two became buddies.

After selling his home in Brooklyn in March, 2007, Leslie returned to his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, to assist his aging mother. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Edward Wayne Christenson, who died in an auto accident in March, 1969, and his father in 1983 and his mother in 2012. He is survived by a close knit extended family of many cousins.

It was his parting wish to thank all who made his long life such a wonderful adventure. No services are planned at this time. He died January 19, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor.

Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 25, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Christenson

7 Entries

Joshua Garcia

March 15, 2026

I was so touched by the news of Leslie's passing, as we had so many great times together. A talented and fun man, we did some chores together at my father-in-law's orchard, and I really enjoyed the family gatherings and meals together. I am grateful to have known him and share many good times together!

Jena Taylor Garcia

March 15, 2026

What a very well spoken, kind and interesting cousin! We so enjoyed all the family meals and gatherings at the Taylor orchard. My husband Josh and I will really miss you Leslie!!!!

Lisa Herschell

February 2, 2026

I was so sad to see Leslie had passed. I met him when he moved back to Lawrence. I was doing his mom Clara's hair and would pick her up on Friday morning. Leslie would come get her and take her to lunch then home. He would often slip me a $20 to go get lunch. We reconnected at the Manor. I was so happy to visit with him amd cut his hair. He got me and signed a copy of his design book and had given me the one he had wrote about his mom who lived to be over a century. I will miss this kind, patient man very much.
Lisa Herschell

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Kara C.

January 27, 2026

My Dad loved his cousins and we have been blessed with a family of storytellers. Though I didnt get to see Leslie often the few times I did were filled with laughter! The stories he told me about my Dad (always hiding in the outhouse to get out of work and playing the piano in the yard) are absolutely priceless to me. One of the biggest blessings of my life was to be born into a family that created people like Leslie. People who are funny, kind, talented, smart and just amazing people. Thank You for being you. We will keep your memory alive and you will hear us laughing and telling more stories here at the Farm

Cheri Wright

January 24, 2026

The Christenson family were good friends of Wilbur and Kay Wright. Les was extremely kind to his mother and my mother in law Kay Wright. He was a total Gentleman, most talented and a very nice man. I will always remember his thoughtfulness to our family.
Cheri Wright

Charles Kincaid

January 23, 2026

Leslie was one of the most talented artists to ever graduate from LHS.
He also wrote two books that were fun to read. He was fun to know and he had the prettiest 1954 yellow MG - TD I ever saw. I will miss him.

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