Dale Leland Christensen, age 96, of Coon Rapids, IA, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids with Rev. Joyce Webb officiating. Music for the service will be by Lula Garnes and Cindy Seastrom. Casket bearers will be Nathan Vandevanter, Adam Vandevanter, Kurt Schmidt, Christopher Jones, Michael Von Weihe, Kerry Von Weihe, and Ben Christensen. Burial will be in the Orange Township Cemetery with military honors by the Coon Rapids American Legion.
Friends may call at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids from 5 – 7 P.M. on Monday evening. The casket will be moved to the church at 9:30 A.M. on Tuesday where visitation will resume until the time of service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Dale was born on January 17, 1924 on a farm near Poplar, IA, and was the son of Ejnar Nels and Martha Hansena (Hansen) Christensen.
Dale was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith, and this faith was the strength of his life. He attended grade school at Union School #2 in Guthrie County, and continued his education at Guthrie Center High School. He participated in track and was awarded 2nd in the State 2 years in a row in long distance running. He graduated in 1943.
On June 6, 1944 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS LSM 39 in the South Pacific during WWII, attaining the rank of Electricians Mate Second Class. Dale was very proud of his military service to his country, and was honorably discharged on June 9, 1946.
He moved back to the family farm south of Coon Rapids where he farmed with his Dad for the next 4 years. On July 7, 1950 he married Joyce M. Brassfield making their life together on his family farm for the next 60 years. They were blessed with the birth of four precious children.
Dale was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, and later the Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion. He served on the ASCS Committee and the Zoning Commission in Guthrie County. Dale and Joyce moved off the family farm and settled into Coon Rapids in 2010.
The most enjoyable times of his life were those spent with his family, neighbors, and friends. Many happy memories were made on the farm, at picnics in Springbrook, playing cards, and the multitude of family gatherings. Dale and Joyce shared a faith that sustained them through life’s ups and downs, and their committed love of 69 years was an encouragement to us all. As his body failed, he was heard to whisper, “Oh, the promises…..”
Dale is survived by his wife Joyce of 69 years of Coon Rapids; three daughters: Mardell Vandevanter of Humbolt, IA, Becky Von Weihe (Doug) of Carson, IA, Bonnie Muus (Paul) of Grand Marais, MN; a son Delbert Christensen of Kimballton, IA; nine grandchildren; fourteen great- grandchildren; a brother Orvie Christensen (Margaret) of Kimballton, IA; a sister Mary Lou Johnson of Council Bluffs, IA; a brother-in-law Boyd Yaden of Oregon; and several nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents Ejnar and Martha Christensen; his mother and father-in-law Thelma and Floyd Brassfield; a brother Clifford Christensen; and two nephews.
