Kenneth Paul Christiansen (1921-1942)

CHRISTIANSEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal February 1, 1943 (page 6)

Memorial Service Held at Huxley for First War Victim

Huxley, Feb. 1--Memorial services for Kenneth P. Christiansen were held at the Palestine church near Huxley at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, January 27. The services were in charge of his pastor Rev. H. E. Jacobson and he was assisted by Rev. Perry Sampson of the Fjeldberg Church.

Miss Leona Brendeland presided at the organ and played "Going Home" and "America" at the beginning of the services. Leon Heggen sang "The Lord's Prayer" with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Harold Croft of Slater.

Rev. Jacobson based his text on the 28th verse in the 11th chapter of the gospel of St. John. "The Master is Here and Calleth for Thee." The choir sang two selections, "God Bless Our Men" and "Just When I Need Him Most" with soprano solo by Miss Gladys Rullestad, in memory of the young boy who was a very faithful member of their choir while he was at home.

Rev. Sampson based his text on the Lord's Prayer as it is recorded in verses 9 to 14 in the 6th chapter of Matthew. A beautiful tribute was paid to the young man who gave his life while on duty in the service of our country. A total of over sixty dollars was given in his memory to the Lutheran Service Center for members of the armed forces. These gifts were from the family, relatives, friends and the high school students.

The following obituary was read:

Kenneth Paul Christiansen, son of Charles and Julia Christiansen, was born at Story City, Iowa, May 17, 1921. He was baptized by Pastor G. O. Paulsrud and confirmed by Pastor R. F. Wilson at Marshalltown.

He attended high school at Albion for two years and graduated from the Consolidated school at White Oak with the class of 1939.

On September 30, 1940 having heard the call of his country he enlisted in the 168th Infantry of the U. S. Army. Later he transferred to join his brother in the 113th Cavalry located at Camp Bowie, Texas. In July, 1942 he transferred again to the Engineers Amphibian Command and was stationed at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, having at that time attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.

On November 28, 1942 he was reported missing under circumstances which indicated death by drowning. To date, no further information has been forthcoming.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, his fiancee, Edna Wenos of Huxley, and three brothers: Charles Willard of the U. S. Army Air corps in North Africa; John Robert of the 113th Cavalry of the U. S. Army at Camp Hood, Texas,a and Irvin Christian at home.

Blessed among you be his memory. "Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

Relatives and friends from out of town who were here for the services were Tech 5th class John R. Christiansen, Camp Hood, Texas, Mrs. Eli Opstvedt, Nevada, Mrs. S. T. Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Larson, Mrs. Floyd Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman M. Larson, Roland, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Henderson, Mr. M. C. Wierson, Mr. E. M. Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Nordeen, Story City, Mrs. Howard Hildahl, MR. and Mrs. Frank Ferbitz, Mr. and Mrs. John Larson, Jewell, Mrs. B. F. Knudson, Mrs. Ben Storby, Miss Ida Christiansen, Miss Neoma Bjelland, Ames, Mr. and Mrs. Emory Collins, Melbourne, Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Christiansen and Clarence, Zearing, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Wierson, Randall, Miss Mar-- Christiansen, Mason City, Mr. and Mrs. Vinol Alleman, Mr. and Mrs. George Burrichter, Mrs. M. S. Heggen and Leon, and Mrs. Harold Croft of Slater.