Ivan Christensen

Ivan Bruce, son of Gaylor H. and Selma Olivia (Molgaard) Christensen, was born March 2, 1932 on the family farm east of Kimballton, in Audubon County, IA. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Kimballton. Ivan graduated from Elk Horn High School in 1951 and served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean conflict. On September 7, 1952 Ivan was united in marriage with Amy Larsen at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Audubon. They made their home wherever Ivan was stationed during his time in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge they lived at various places, including Audubon, Manilla and Guthrie Center. Ivan farmed for 22 years in the Audubon and Shelby County areas. After living in Oklahoma for four years they moved to Guthrie Center for 18 years. The couple settled in Elk Horn in 2003, near both of their hometowns. Ivan retired in 2006 and his beloved wife Amy died in 2008. Ivan enjoyed playing cards through the years and he was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. Ivan died at the Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, IA, on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2014, at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 17 days. He had been living there to be closer to his family. Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Amy Christensen; sons David Lee Christensen in 1991 and Todd Eric Christensen in 1996; and brothers Burdette Christensen, Lamont Christensen, Lyle Christensen and Dale Christensen and sisters Beulah Jensen and Doris Hollingsworth. Ivan is survived by sons Michael Christensen (Rita) of Dunlap and Jamie Christensen of Redfield; daughters-in-law Brenda Christensen of St. Ansgar and Vinona "Mac" Christensen of Noblesville, IN; 11 grandchildren: Brea Chaplin (Derek), Ashley DeMaris (Wes), Caroline Pundzak (Steve), Candace Black, Ann Talbert (Matt), Joel Christensen (fiancée Layne), Rachel Simons (John), Dawn Klein (Bryan), Joanna Allen, Brian Christensen (Erica) and Mandy Pippett (Jeremy Oloff)); 24 great grandchildren; sisters in law Lois Jean Christensen of Elk Horn, Marlene Christensen of Elk Horn and Shirley Christensen of Marne; other relatives and friends. Pastor Sam Jacobs, Officiating Music "Our Father Has Light In His Window" "I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry" Congregation "The Lord's Prayer" Recording Marcia Nelson, Accompanist Casket Bearers Craig Christensen Troy Christensen Hugh Hansen Jim Nelsen Brent Christensen Russell Lange Honorary Casket Bearers Ivan's Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren Interment With Military Honors Monday, November 24, 2014 2:00 PM Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Bowman's Chapel Near Guthrie Center, Iowa American Legion Omar B. Shearer Post 124