CHRISTENSEN Merlyn Roosevelt (1933-2019)

CHRISTENSEN, OLESON, SOREN, SABBLUT, TONDERUM

Posted By: Betsy Monson (email)
Date: 4/4/2022 at 10:13:27

Merlyn R. Christensen, 86, of Clarion and formerly of Dows, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 15, 2019 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, with Pastor Mark Peterson officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in rural Dows. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday.

Merlyn R. Christensen, son of Jens W. and Edna A. (Oleson) Christensen, was born on July 6, 1933 in Latimer. He grew up in the Latimer and Dows areas and received his education at Dows Community Schools.

He was proud of his name being named after President Roosevelt and his love for his twin brother, Allyn. Merlyn treasured his baby pictures and the gift from President Roosevelt, a silk ivory handkerchief with Happy Roosevelt Days on it, along with a gold initialed baby ring.

Merlyn worked for Dr. Oleson's veterinary practice as a young boy with his love for animals. He worked various jobs including Erickson Manufacturing, Pals Brothers, Monsanto, Asgrow Seed Company, and Weaver Construction in Alden.

In 1958, he married Carole Soren and later divorced. The couple had four children: Dan, Merlyn, LaVonne, and Steven.

Merlyn enjoyed drawing horses, hunting, fishing, gardening, watching birds and squirrels. He liked watching cowboy church, polka and westerns on TV and tinkering with CB radios. He was also known for making bird and animal sounds along with his twin brother. He enjoyed spending time with his dog, Coco.

Merlyn was noted for his big blue eyes and his smile. He never complained, even when he was sick, and was always ready to help anyone out when help was needed.

Merlyn is survived by his children Dan (Becky) Christensen of Waterloo, LaVonne (Trevor) Sabblut of Reedsport, Oregon, and Steven Christensen of Reedsport, Oregon; grandchildren Jenna Christensen, Anna Christensen, Nathaniel Christensen, Troy Schroeder, Jackie Sabblut, Thomas Sabblut, and Tony Christensen; two sisters Alice Christensen of Hampton and Eleanor Tonderum of Dows; twin brother Allyn (June) Christensen of Clarion; and his special little dog, Coco.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son Merlyn; grandsons Ryan and Noah; brothers Lloyd and Volney; sisters Helen and Myrna.

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