Robert Allan Abens

Robert Allan Abens, 52, was called home to his Heavenly Father unexpectedly, Saturday August 11, 2012. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends at a local medical center in Pocatello, ID.

Robert was born January 7, 1960 in Ripon, Wisconsin, to Norman Raymond Abens and Marilyn Ann Gorzney. He was the 4th child of 7 born to this union. Later his parents divorced and through a new marriage he was blessed with another sister.

He attended schools in Grand Junction, CO, and Bellevue, WA graduating from Sammamish High School in Bellevue. He also lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a time.

Upon returning to Bellevue, WA, He met his sweetheart, Terie Irene Christensen, and was married for time, January 17, 1987 at the home of Terie's parents in Renton, WA. Bob became a Father to his stepdaughter, Stephanie Anne. Also born to this union was a son, Benjamin Robert Abens. They lived in Renton, WA for a time, later moving to Utah making their home in the Provo area. In the fall of 2008 they moved to Chubbuck, ID when Costco transferred him to help open their new store.

He was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in several callings. He currently was serving as second counselor in the Sunday School Presidency, Home Teacher and was an Elder at the time of his death. He loved being with the loving members of the Whitaker Ward.

January 14, 2012 he took his sweetheart to the Idaho Falls LDS Temple to be sealed for eternity. This was extremely important to both of them.

Using strong work ethic that he learned as a child, Bob provided for his family by working hard in the restaurant hood cleaning business, safety device repair, car wash, building maintenance, Gold's gym, installing electronic systems and lead maintenance person for Costco in Provo, UT and Pocatello, Idaho, for the past 14 years. He enjoyed his work and the people he worked with.

He did not belittle others and gave his wife credit for her hard work in the home. Compassion and tenderness were characteristics of his heart. Bob was a social person. He never knew a stranger, because those he met soon became his friend. He loved all of his family and friends and would communicate with us daily. He loved little children. He loved serving his church, family and community. Bob enjoyed having guests in his home or going to visit others. He always carried on an interesting conversation. Saturday or Sunday evenings often found Bob and Terie with family members, hosting a barbecue and playing a competitive game of Five Crowns or Phase Ten. He usually came out the winner. He liked to make funny faces and tell jokes to put a smile on our faces. He took great pleasure in making people laugh.


Bob loved the outdoors and would travel to find new primitive hiking, camping and fishing locations to rest and enjoy nature with his wife Terie. They enjoyed being together and were rarely seen apart at functions. Bob enjoyed music and listened to his collection of records, tapes and CDs. He also experimented with electronics to improve and repair the performance of the devices including antennas, radios, amplifiers speakers and telephones. He really enjoyed shopping for bargains, especially food store bargains. He also could find the best restaurants. Bob enjoyed working in the yard and caring for his two pet cats. He loved sports and was an avid Jazz fan. He also liked watching the Green Bay Packers, Raiders and the Seahawks. He really enjoyed the Seattle Super Sonics years ago when he lived in the Seattle area.

Bob is survived by; his wife, Terie; two children, Stephanie Anne Christensen of Downey, Idaho and Benjamin (Shylo) Abens Christensen; a beautiful granddaughter Mylie of Logan, Utah; parents, Marilyn Craver and Les Gomm; brothers, Bill Abens (Lonnie Johns-Brown) , John Robert Abens; sisters, Liz Abens, Ellen (Dan) Hancock, all of Washington, Erin (Nathan) Engquist of Albuquerque; mother and father-in-Law, Althea and Dan Christensen of Downey, Idaho; brother and sister-in-laws, Douglas (Lisa) Christensen, Nephi, Utah, Bradley (Kathy) Christensen, Logan, Utah, and Ryan (Mandy) Christensen, Pocatello, Idaho, who loved Bob as a Brother. He is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by; his Father, Norman Raymond Abens; two brothers, Mark Abens and Joe Abens; and both sets of grandparents.

Bob loved his wife, children, granddaughter, all parents and family dearly. He will be missed by all who were touched by his love and caring manner.

Anyone wishing to make a donation for the family can do so in the name of Robert Allen Abens at any branch of Citizens Community Bank.

Service information is posted under the "Service Schedule" tab above.