Walter Millard Christensen was born on May 18, 1922; he was the seventh child of Thea and Herman Christensen. He grew up on their farm in Normania Township, was baptized and confirmed in Spring Creek Lutheran Church. He attended rural school district #23 and then Clarkfield High School from which he graduated. After high school he returned to farm with his father. He married Ruth Stroup; to this union were born three sons: Dennis, David and Donald. After some years of farming he became employed with the Minneapolis Star and Tribune where he was responsible for selecting and supervising carriers who delivered the papers. He was noted for his special relationships with these boys, and he enjoyed the work. He was really a "true farmer at heart" and later returned to farming the Christensen Century farm where he had always lived. He enjoyed tilling the soil and caring for his animals. On October 25, 1975 he was united in marriage to Darlene Ratz. He was proud to add two more sons to his family: Timothy and Paul Ratz. Darlene and Walt's marriage was blessed with a sixth son, Matthew. Five years ago Walter became seriously ill with cardiac problems and underwent extensive surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. With this medical care, our prayers, and the ongoing care and support of his wife Darlene, he was given five more years of life. Walt was very thankful for each day. He passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27 while resting in his home. He was 75 years old. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Darlene; six sons: Dennis, David, Donald and Matthew Christensen, Timothy and Paul Ratz; four daughters-in-law; seven grandchildren: Ashley, Shane, Sara, Joseph, Beth and Riley Christensen plus Adam Ratz; one brother Herbert and three sisters: Irene Rodness, Louella Stokke and Mavis Eithreim; as well as three sisters-in-law: Minnie, Clara and Evelyn Christensen; and seventeen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three older brothers, Hanford, Oren and Clifford. Walter enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He was a cheerful person who always had a few favorite jokes to tell. He was a kind and loving husband, father, brother and a doting grandfather. Remembrance from Walter's sister Irene: I have a very special memory of my last visit with Walt when he talked about our mother coming to his bed and teaching him the evening prayer: "Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." Then he said, "I've prayed this prayer hundreds of times in my life." We thank the Lord for his life and for the many ways in which we were touched by him. Blessed be his memory to us all. Visitation: Monday, March 30, 1998, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Lynner Funeral Home Funeral Service: Tuesday, March 31, 1998, 11:00 a.m., Augustana Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Pastor: Terry Hagensen Organist: Kathy Dufrane Soloist: Dave Rupp, "You Who Dwell in the Shelter of the Lord" Casketbearers: David Christensen, Dennis Christensen, Donald Christensen, Matthew Christensen, Paul Ratz, Tim Ratz Final Resting Place: Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota