Christen, Harvin Orlane 1934 - 2016

CHRISTEN, NESS, KIRTON, TOTTEN, COFFMAN, SANDERS, AMOLINS, ROSHOLT, WHARTON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 9/16/2016 at 15:32:41

Harvin (Hub) Orlane Christen went to be with his Savior Wednesday morning, Aug. 17, 2016.

Hub was born June 1, 1934, in Decorah, to Gerta (Ness) Christen and Henry Christen. Hub was brought up in a loving home and was the youngest of three children. At an early age Hub was introduced to music and he spent the majority of his life singing for God. Hub graduated from Decorah High School May 29, 1952. He met his wife Joyce the summer following graduation from Luther College, in 1956. Hub served his country during the Korean War as a chaplain’s assistant. Upon his return, Hub and Joyce were married Aug. 2, 1958. To this union, four children were born: Tonda Laeh, Todd Michael, Teela Shawn and Troy David. Hub’s line of work was primarily one of selling insurance. Hub and Joyce made their home in a variety of Midwest cities, but returned to Decorah in 1973, where he began The Viking Insurance Agency. In 1983, he opened The Crystal Hearth Jewelry Store and returned to insurance when it closed several years later. Hub was a real estate agent for Friest Relators toward the end of his working career. Hub loved interacting with people. One of his greatest joys was to sing and offer others an opportunity to hear God’s messages through song. He sang for countless weddings and funerals as well as in Luren, various choirs, theatre productions and concerts. Hub was most often seen with a smile on his face and an enjoyed offering help to anyone in need. He prided himself in being able to carry on his wife’s tradition of taking rommegrøt to businesses and friends in Decorah. Hub enjoyed home and business remodeling projects and spending time with anyone who wished to visit over a cup of coffee.

In January of this year, as Hub struggled with significant health problems, his ongoing prayer was to be able to sing and provide music to others. His prayer was answered in an amazing way as, beginning in March 2016, he began singing at a variety of churches and events within the Freeman Community, located in South Dakota, the last five months of his life.

Hub will be missed by his children: Tonda (Ken) Kirton, Freeman S.D.; Todd Christen Eden Prairie, Minn.; Teela Totten, Rio Rancho, N.M.; and Troy (Anna) Christen, Albuquerque, N.M.; nine grandchildren will remember him: Tialyn Coffman, Danielle Sanders, Trevor Sanders, Miriah (Mike) Amolins, Nicole Christen, Danika Totten, Brittany Christen, and Tiana and Jenna Christen. Hub has four great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Easton, Henry Fred and Sawyer. Thankful for their brother are Darlene Rosholt, Decorah and Chris Wharton, Calif.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife (Joyce); and numerous relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated toward a whirlpool bath and individual DVD players for current residents at Oak View Terrace and Salem Home Nursing Homes. Thank you to all who shared life, faith, friendship, conversations, music and love with both of our parents throughout the years.

Source: Decorah Newspapers September 12, 2016