John Donald Christensen

John Donald Christensen was born on August 29th, 1928 in Dawson, MN, to Carl and Nina (Gunlogson) Christensen. He attended country school through 8th grade and then graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1946. After high school, John received training as an auto mechanic. He enlisted in the Army and took his basic training in Georgia. He was sent to Korea during the war there and served as a mechanic. There he would become life-long friends with his “army buddy,” Glen Clemson.  He returned from Korea in January of 1952. John was a member of the J. Ben Johnson American Legion Post 169.

John was baptized and confirmed at Spring Creek Lutheran Church. He was married there on a stormy winter day, December 5th, 1953.  Later, he and Sue would become members of Clarkfield Lutheran Church.  John served in both churches over the years in various ways, including treasurer and deacon. He loved the Lord and would live a life that reflected his faith in Jesus.

John and Sue made their home in Swede Prairie Township on the farm where John grew up.  They were blessed with two children, Paul and Karen.  Farming was John’s passion. He loved to farm the land and enjoyed being part of the Lord’s dance of planting and harvesting. His love of farming would bring John to serve on various boards, including the Consumers Co-op board in Clarkfield, and for 14 years as a director on the Hanley Falls Elevator board.

After retirement, John enjoyed traveling with Sue, many card and domino parties, and frequent coffee times with friends at the mall.  John was a neighbor and friend to many; no one was a stranger to John.  He loved to visit, always enjoying coffee, conversation, and a bit of chocolate.  Sue would make bars and John would lick the spoon (and the bowl.)  All who knew him, loved him. 

John passed away Thursday morning, June 16th at the age of 93 years.  He is survived by his loving wife of almost 69 years, Susan; son, Paul of Clarkfield; daughter, Karen of Worthington; brother-in-law, Roger (Bonnie) Feist of Amery, WI; sister-in-law, Katherine Eliason of Wyoming, MN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nina; brothers, Stanley, Allan, and Leroy; sisters, Jane and a baby girl.  Blessed be his memory. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 at 10 AM at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service with military honors at 11 AM. Interment to follow in Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Clarkfield. 

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