Age 88, of Clarkfield, Minnesota, Carl Stanley Christensen was born October 11, 1921, in Swede Prairie Township of Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to Carl and Nina (Gunlogson) Christensen. He is the brother of John (Susan), also of Clarkfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leroy and Allan and sister Jane. He is survived by his brother John (Susan) and sister-in-law Joyce; his nieces and nephews Paul Christensen of Clarkfield, Karen Menbreno of Marshall, Minnesota, Lisa (Martin) Graefe of Bemidji, Minnesota, Heidi (Jeffrey) Haines of Golden Valley, Minnesota, David (Julie) Christensen of Marshall, Minnesota; his aunt Alice Gunlogson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and his cousins and friends. Stanley loved life on the Minnesota prairie and proudly farmed the land. He attended a one-room country school through eighth grade achieving perfect attendance one year and skipping two grades. He graduated from Clarkfield High School and headed off to the Twin Cities. There he attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Animal Husbandry. After finishing at the University, Stanley went into the Armed Services. He served during World War II as a Celestial Navigator with the Army Air Corps. He flew over 50 missions in the European theater. His unit was very distinguished and was chosen for missions to drop supplies and personnel behind enemy lines. These dangerous carpetbagger missions required flying under enemy radar. Stan was proud to serve his country and honored to attend a reunion of his unit in later years. He was also a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years. Stanley farmed most of his life near Hanley Falls, Minnesota, on the Yellow Medicine River. His farm always included cattle. He enjoyed the rhythm of rural life, especially telling stories and drinking coffee with friends. He was blessed with many good years on the land. Until it closed, Stanley was a member of Spring Creek Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served as an usher, board member and cemetery caretaker for the congregation. He was a humble man with a steady faith. God has been gracious, and we trust in that grace as we remember Stanley, our brother, uncle and friend. Celebrating the Life of Carl Stanley Christensen Visitation Saturday, July 31, 2010 ~ 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Saturday, July 31, 2010 ~ 10:30 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor David Christensen Organist, Karen Donner Congregational Hymns "Rock of Ages" "Abide With Me" "Beautiful Savior" Special Music, David Christensen family "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" Casket Bearers Lisa Graefe ~ Heidi Haines Andy Gunlogson ~ Eric Gunlogson Neil Gunlogson ~ Ross Schrankler Military Rites Cottonwood American Legion Post 503 Cottonwood, Minnesota Final Resting Place Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota