Donald Arthur Christensen

Mr. Donald Christensen of Rush City; passed away Thursday (1/16/14) at his home at the age of 85. On August 13, 1928, a son was born to Arthur and Pauline Christensen that they named Donald Arthur. Born at home on the farm his grandparents homesteaded in 1894, it remains in the family today close to a little town of Lucan in Redwood County, Minnesota. Donald "Don" was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Lucan and grew up in this area attending the local schools. As a young adult, Don worked in road construction, maintained buildings and a lake home for a Redwood businessman until his country called him to serve in the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home from Korea, Don farmed in Vesta, Minnesota close to Lucan. Through his sister Jean, he met his future wife, VelJean "Jean" West and they were married May 15, 1954 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rush Point. Don and VelJean moved to Minneapolis where Don started a career of 36 years at Northern Ordinance or FMC as it is now known. They started their family in Minneapolis with a son David Arthur and after a move to Coon Rapids added a daughter Debra Ann and son Dean Arnold. He was not the fondest of living in the city, but loved the clean air and the openness of country living. Don kept himself busy, not only with his family and job, but by doing sod delivery and trapping snapping turtles in the Mississippi river. Within a few years the family moved to Rush City, Minnesota and shortly thereafter purchased a small farm west of the Rush Point store. It was at this time Douglas Allen was added to the family. Now, along with the daily commute to Fridley and the time spent working the farm, Don still made time to spend with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling to visit relatives and friends, whether they lived in Minnesota or anywhere else in the US and Canada. They enjoyed trips in the States, Canada, Europe, Mexico and Japan. Don was an active member at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, A lifetime member of the VFW Grothe Jacobson Post #6692 in Rush City, Second (Indianhead) Division Association, member of the VFW honor Guard and the Rush Point Leisure Club. He enjoyed fishing, the time spent hunting, working the soil, coaching church fast pitch softball, watching football and baseball, and other outdoor activities. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, sister Lorraine, and his daughter Debra. He is survived by his wife Jean, Sons: David, Dean (Dianne), Douglas (Rhonda) all of Rush City, grandchildren; JoAnna, Donny, Laura, Curt, Aaron, Ashley, Mary Jo and Scotty. Twelve great grandchildren. Sisters Althea Miller of St. Cloud, MaryAnn Iovino of Hiawassee Georgia, Jean Turgeon of South St. Paul, Cathy (Gary) Allex of Redwood Falls, Brothers Lawrence of Farwell, Gilbert of Lucan, Art (Marcia) of Somerset Wisconsin and Bert (Ellen) of Lucan. Rev. Keith Kolzow will officiate at a funeral service for Don at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (1/25/14) with a time of visitation one hour prior at the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush Point. Music will be provided by Rebecca Sik and Jan Johnson. A military presence will be provided by the Grothe-Jacobson VFW. A spring interment is planned in the Calvary Lutheran-Northview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to: Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church; 600 Rush Point Dr. Stanchfield, MN 55080. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Donald Christensen of Rush City are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City~Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com