Dalton "Chris" Christoffersen

Dalton “Chris” Lavern Christoffersen, son of Andrew and Anna (Christensen) Christoffersen, was born August 22, 1933 in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm west of Kimballton and attended rural school Jackson #6. Chris attended high school in Harlan and graduated with the Class of 1951. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on August 13, 1956.

On August 10, 1954 Chris was united in marriage with Sylvia Ann Osbahr at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Six children were born to this union: Calla, Randy, Terri, Lori, Ricky, and Rodney. The couple made their home in Audubon before moving to Denison, at which time Chris began his career working for several Ford dealerships. He worked at Cornelison Ford in Atlantic, and this is where Chris and Sylvia raised their family, on an acreage north of town. Through the years, Chris worked at Valley Motors in Atlantic, Larsen Ford in Exira, and Markel Ford in Omaha, NE.  Chris’s knowledge and experience with automobile parts soon lead him to become known as the “go-to guy” for automobile repair. He could recite part numbers and know what troubles lie under the hood just by listening to the sound of the engine. Chris and Sylvia were able to make lasting memories traveling to Hawaii, Spain, Mexico, and Venezuela during his working years.

After his retirement, Chris drove a bus for Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) for nine years. It was more than just a job for Chris, but a way to serve the people. He was known to share treats and special cards with riders. He also enjoyed helping the 4-H kids at fair time, restoring Ford tractors, keeping up with current events via CNN and FOX news, as well as watching old westerns. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending their various sports, music, and church activities. Chris loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic for 65 years –where he helped with ushering, mowing, and picking up members to bring them to and from church services.

Chris went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at the Exira Care Center, Exira, Iowa, having attained the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 8 days at which time he was under the care of Gentiva Hospice.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his infant son Rodney Eugene Christoffersen, brother Emery Christoffersen, sister Darlene Hansen, granddaughter Laura Turner, brother-in-law Donald Lee, Sylvia’s parents Harold and Irene Osbahr and her siblings and their spouses, Robert (Sally) Osbahr and Kenneth (Faye) Osbahr.

Chris is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sylvia Christoffersen of Atlantic; children: Calla (Todd) Johnson of Elk Horn; Randy (Jodi) Christoffersen of Atlantic; Terri (Bruce) Turner of Hortonville, WI; Lori Robertson of Amana; and Ricky (Susan) Christoffersen of Atlantic; grandchildren: Jason (Tammy) Jensen and children Hannah and Mason of Elk Horn; Scott (Amber) Jensen and children Olivia and Evan of Marne; Brett (Madison) Johnson of Des Moines; Eric (Rachel) Christoffersen of Firestone, CO; Tyler (Madison) Christoffersen of Waukee; Rachel Stankevitz of Green Bay, WI; Travis (Kirstin) Robertson and children Keighan, Rory and Kinnick of Council Bluffs; Amanda (Rich) Thompson and children Ariyah and Lilah of North Liberty; Sara (Brad) Strouth and children Macy and Drew of Atlantic; Justin (Megan) Sorensen and children William, Timothy and Benjamin of Slater; sister Ardyce Lee of Westminster, CO; sister-in-law Ruby Christoffersen of Kimballton; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Monday, May 20, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Visitation will be held the hour prior to the service from 10AM to 11AM. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chris’s name.