Christensen, Robert Duane (1930 - 2013)

JACKSON, CHRISTENSEN, STEWART, SCHMITZ, OSTREM, HAVICK, JACKSON

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 9/29/2013 at 20:32:55

Name of deceased: Robert Duane “Bob” Christensen

Aged: 83 yrs, 4 mos

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: April 17, 1930, Elk Horn, IA

Died: Aug. 17, 2013, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, IA

Funeral services: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA; burial, with Military Rites, was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Wife, Joanne (nee Jackson) Christensen of Harlan, IA; sons, Brian Christensen of Harlan, IA, Bruce Christensen of Harlan, IA, and Ray Christensen of Highlands Ranch, CO; daughters, Diane (spouse, Paul) Stewart of Harlan, IA and Jan (spouse, Leon) Schmitz of Parkville, MO; sister-in-law, Nancy Christensen of Harlan, IA; grandchildren, Melissa (spouse, Jeremiah) Ostrem of Bondurant, IA; Zachary Stewart (spouse, Sara) of Omaha, NE; Danielle Stewart of Harlan, IA; Rebecca Christensen of Kearney, NE; Jacob Christensen of Highland Ranch, CO; Meghan Christensen of Kearney, NE; Alex Schmitz of Parkville, MO; Taylor Christensen of Highland Ranch, CO and Cody Christensen of Harlan, IA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Arnold and Helen (nee Havick) Christensen; brother, David

Education: attended country school, Harlan (IA) High School; graduated with the Class of 1947

Religious affiliation: long-time members of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, IA

Military service: In December of 1950, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Tacoma, WA, Iceland and Phoenix, AZ, until his honorable discharge in 1954.

Marriage: Joanne Jackson; Aug. 14, 1955; location not provided

Employment: After their marriage, Robert and Joanne began farming and continued until retirement in 1995. His interest in agriculture was expanded through his service as a member of the Shelby County (IA) Extension Council and president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau in 1965 and 1966.

Hobbies/Interests: enjoyed being a grandpa, flying, table tennis, genealogy, computers, his cabin at Lake View, as well as masonry.

Robert enjoyed a long Masonic career that was initiated on Jan. 31, 1972 at the Parian Lodge No. 321 in Harlan, IA; passed Feb. 12, 1972 and raised on Feb. 25, 1972. He started through the lodge line in 1973 as Senior Steward and was elected Worshipful Master in 1977. Bob was very active in degree work and conducted many Masonic funeral services.

Joining the York Rite in 1972, he served as High Priest of Olivet Chapter No. 107 in 1993, Illustrious Master of Adelphia Council No. 4 in 1994 and Eminent Commander of Mt. Zion Commandery No. 49 in 1995. He has been Secretary-Recorder of all Harlan Masonic Bodies since 1983.

His service to the Grand Chapter included appointments as Grand Representative of New Zealand in 1992, Deputy Grand High Priest 1990-1991, Grand Master II Veil 1991-1992 and 1992-1993, Grand Principal Sojourner 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 and Dean of the District Deputy Grand High Priest in 1995-1996. In the Grand Council he was appointed Grand Representative of Utah in 1990.

Other Masonic and fraternal memberships included KYCH, Abu Bekr Temple AAONMS in 1972; Harlan Shrine Club President in 1974; Captain of the Harlan Shrine “T” Patrol from 1982-1984; Worthy Patron of Lebonan Chapter No. 8 OES in 1987 and 1989; Ancient Order of Resonant and Redolent Pardesiacs and Past Noble Grand, IOOF.

Sources: The Harlan Tribune, pauleyjones.com , ancestry.com