Thomas H Christensen passed away on Feb. 9, 2023, at his home in Anita, Iowa. Tommie was born on Oct. 31, 1932, on the family farm near Brayton, Iowa to Henry Christensen and Pauline (Masching) Christensen. He lived most of his life in the Anita and Brayton area. He graduated from Anita High School in 1952. After school, he married Joanne Thompson on July 11, 1952, at the Anita Methodist Church. To this union 4 children were born, Cheri, Kent, Charl, and Camma. They made their home in Anita, living upstairs of Tom’s aunt and uncle’s house, Shorty and Jenevieve Christensen. Tom was drafted into the Army and sent overseas for 2 years. While he was away, Joanne bought their first house. After returning from Germany, he worked for the railroad for several years. He left the railroad and worked at the Anita Coop. Eventually, he became the manager of the coop. During his time in Anita Tommie served on the Anita Vol Fire Dept. In 1974 they moved to Osceola, Iowa, and owned MC Feed and Supply Company. After a few years, he obtained another feed store called the Red Barn in Murray Iowa. He also owned his own truck line and hauled grain to many states.
Tommie loved camping, gardening, playing cards, spending time with the family, and having morning coffee with Joanne. Tom loved telling stories and talking about his time in the Army. Many times, he would end his storytelling with “just one more story and I will shut up!” but he seldom did. He made friends wherever he went. We remember him calling different places for the price of beans and dialing the wrong number. He would talk to the person on the other end asking about the weather and would carry on a lengthy conversation with a stranger. He looked forward to having the grandkids and great-grandkids come for visits.
Preceding him in death were his parents: Henry and Pauline Christensen. His in-laws are Elvin and Dorothy Thompson, Sisters-in-law: Lula Marie Wrede, Alice Petersen, and Edith Lett. Son: Kent Christensen. Nieces and nephews.
Surviving family members are Cheri (Jim) Miller, Charl (David) Claussen, Camma Stott, Mark Miller, and Shelly Obermeire. Grandchildren Jeff (August Mae) Miller, Cecilia Miller, Michael (Arlina) Miller, Drew Stott, Alicia Stott, Ethan Claussen, Erin (Kaleb) Lund, Emily Claussen (Brandon Johnston), Brian, Katie, and Ashley Hightower. Great Grandchildren: Juniper Miller, Remington, Finnegan Lund, and Raidyn Johnston. Brother: Roger Christensen Sister-in-law: Betty Ford. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
A celebration of life luncheon will be held Saturday, Feb 18, 2023, at the Anita United Methodist Church basement at 11:00 a.m.
