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In Memory

Thomas Christensen

Thomas Christensen

 

Thomas Lee Christenson obituary

Thomas Lee Christenson

1943-2023

KENOSHA - The legendary T.C. Christenson passed away on September 21, 2023, with his family by his side. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, he was born on February 1, 1943, to parents Harry and Marian (Ruffalo) Christenson, and was the Owner of Sunset Motors in Kenosha for 54 years.

T.C. was a world-famous motorcycle drag racer who won four consecutive world titles from 1972 to 1975 while riding the Norton "Hogslayer" bike. The bike earned its name by repeatedly beating the dominant Harley-Davidson drag bikes at the time. The Hogslayer set numerous records, and with T.C. riding it was the fastest drag bike on the planet for most of the early to mid-1970s.

In 2005, T.C. was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and the Hogslayer is now housed in the British National Motorcycle Museum in England. Fans can watch the incredible story in the documentary, "Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend", which was originally released in 2011 at the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee and then re-released in October 2022 for its homecoming at the Rhode Theatre in Kenosha. The Hogslayer even has a song about it.

Besides going fast on motorcycles or driving Corvettes, he could be found out and about anywhere something cool was happening or parked along the lakefront in his motorhome. And no matter where he was, he would always run into people who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Harrison; daughters: Marissa (Matt) Miner and Caitlin (Peter) Kroening; three grandchildren: Margot, Clay and Bridgette; and many nieces and nephews. T.C. was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tommy; and brother, Ronald.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 
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10/02/23 08:06 AM #1    

Jerry Hubbard

Tom was the source of my first motorcycle ride-a belt driven bycucle! I followed the news of his greatness across the sea-very proud to have known Tom. I just wish I would have stopped to see him when I was there for the 75th. He was alway quiet in school but outside of school-that's another story. We ocassionally road bikes together until I left Kenosha. A great guy!

Never forget!

Rest in peace old friend.


10/03/23 12:26 PM #2    

Henry Hartnek

Sorry to hear of another classmates passing. My condolences to his family.


10/03/23 07:09 PM #3    

Tom Haubrich

I knew Tom from Bain School and Washington Jr. High; I lost track of Tom in High School. I will have to say that Tom did have some interesting adventures long before he got into motorcycle racing. Several years ago, when I was back in Kenosha for a class reunion, I stopped to see Tom at his shop Sunset Motors on 52nd street. Tom showed me the “Hogslayer”, the custom-made motorcycle that he set the world land speed record. There are several on line sites that cover his motorcycle drag racing career. Click on this link or copy and paste it in your browser:


Rest in peace Tom, if you can!

10/03/23 10:06 PM #4    

Spencer Sorenson

Wow! I remember TC, but didn't know him. Wish I had.

10/04/23 08:11 AM #5    

Charles Limpert

Quite a legacy. Didn’t know him well but certainly a colorful career. My sympathy.

 


10/04/23 12:52 PM #6    

Marilyn Copen (Birky)

SOUNDS LIKE WE MISSED OUT ON AN INTERESTING GUY. MAY HE BE RIDING HIS HARLEY IN THE SKY.

 


10/04/23 11:58 PM #7    

Nicolina Evans (Neau)

I missed knowing Tom. Apparently he flew under the radar in school. My brother Ed rode with him out of Sunset. He was sorry to hear of Tom's passing. As am I. 


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