Christen, Frank L. -- 1894 - 1989

CHRISTEN, MCMULLEN, DRAVIS, HEINE, NELSON

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 1/4/2011 at 19:40:34

SOURCE: Waukon,Iowa, WAUKON DEMOCRAT, February 9, 1989
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

Funeral services were held Monday February 6, 1989 for Frank L. Christen, 94, of Decorah, Iowa. He died Friday, February 3, 1989 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. The 11 a.m. services were conducted by the Rev. James W. Schaefer at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, Iowa. A Masonic service was held Sunday at 8 p.m. Burial was in Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa. Casket bearers were Joan Carter, Bruce Heine, Chris Heine, Kent Heine, Randy Heine, and Stacey Heine.

Mr.Christen was born August 25, 1894 in Bluffton Township, Winneshiek County to Albert and Letitia May (McMullen) Christen. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1913 and was a Sergeant First Class in the Army from May 12, 1917 to March 11, 1919 during World War I. He married Dorothy M. Dravis in Waukon. He served four terms as Winneshiek County Sheriff from 1922 to 1931, then became an inspector for the State Motor Vehicle Department. Since there was no highway patrol at that time, he was really a member of the State Police, serving for 15 years. For two years he was director of the lien division of the Motor Vehicle Department. He operated a gas station for about ten years, and was a revenue agent for the State of Iowa Tax Commission. He retired in June 1966. In January 1967, he became a doorkeeper in the Iowa House of Representatives and was assistant sergeant-at-arms for 17 years. He retired in 1984. He was a charter member and commander of the American Legion Post in Decorah, Masonic and Eastern Star Order Lodges member and the Congregational Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, who died May 3, 1987; two brothers, Earl and Albert Christen; and a sister, Grace Nelson.

Surviving are a daughter Mrs. Jerry (Carolyn) Heine of Carlsbad, New Mexico; six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a nephew, Col. Ralph E. Nelson of Winter Park, Florida.