Laursen , Christian M. (1921-2016)

LAURSEN, HENRICKSEN, BRUNER, ANDERSON, ARCHULETA, WELLENDORF, RAASCH, BROWER, SHIRK

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 11/12/2016 at 14:34:57

Chris M. Laursen
September 6, 1921 - September 24, 2016

Christian Marion Laursen, 95, of Newell, Iowa, died on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society, Newell, Iowa.

The eldest son of Ellen (Henricksen) and Karl Christian Laursen, Chris was born in Battle Creek, Iowa, on September 6, 1921. Later baptized into the Christian faith, he grew up and received his education in Battle Creek, graduating from Battle Creek High School.

During World War II, Chris served in the United States Air Corps as a gunner. On February 26, 1947, he married Harriette Claire Shirk in the Ida Grove Church of God. They were blessed with four children, Sharen, Cynthia, Susan, and Lynn.

They farmed in Battle Creek and Ida Grove for several years before moving to Newell, Iowa, in 1960. Chris was employed throughout the years by Sievers Implement, the City of Newell, Holmstrom Electric, the Buena Vista County Weed Commission, and the Newell School district as a bus driver. He served several years on Newell’s library board and faithfully followed the Newell-Fonda Mustangs. Moreover, he became an active member of Nain Lutheran Church.

A wood carver, artist, photographer, avid reader, fisherman, rock hound, and all-around handyman, Chris enjoyed the challenge of fixing and repurposing “things.” He, also, enjoyed gardening and especially competing with Harriette for the best flowers and vegetables.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Chris gave generously of himself and his talents. All who knew and loved him came to understand his humor and especially his favorite quote, “You can always tell a Dane, but you can’t tell him much!”

Chris is survived by three children, Cynthia (Doug) Bruner, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Susan (John) Anderson, of Yankton, South Dakota, and Lynn (Tami) Laursen, of Lakeside, Iowa; his son-in-law, Arlin Brower, of Saratoga, Wyoming; nine grandchildren: Jerod Bruner, of Nashville, Tennessee, Jaime (Al) Archuleta, of Brighton, Colorado, Rhett (Autumn) Bruner, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, J. Wesley Anderson, of Yankton, South Dakota, Wade Brower, of Scottsdale, Arizona, Tyler Anderson (fiancée Allysa Freidel), of Omaha, Nebraska, Garrett Bruner, of Nashville, Tennessee, Katelyn Laursen, of Grimes, Iowa, and Blake Laursen, of Overland Park, Kansas; two great granddaughters, Linden and Mila Bruner, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; one great grandson, Jase Archuleta, of Brighton, Colorado; and his sisters-in-law, Leona Laursen, of Battle Creek, Iowa, and Virginia Wellendorf, of Ida Grove, Iowa; as well as by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by Harriette, his wife of 68 years; his parents, Chris and Ellen Laursen; his daughter, Sharen Brower; his brother, Earl (Bob) Laursen; his sister-in-law, Betty (Ray) Raasch; and his brothers-in-law, Darrel Wellendorf and Jim (Ardith) Shirk.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will follow in the Newell Cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 27, 2016, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.

Copyright © 2016, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes

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