William E. "Bill" Christensen 1929 - 2008

CHRISTENSEN, MATTHEWS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/2/2019 at 19:57:46

Sioux City Journal
19 December 2008

MAPLETON, Iowa -- William E. "Bill" Christensen of Mapleton passed away Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church in Charter Oak, Iowa, with the Rev. Ken Baughman officiating. Burial will be in Charter Oak Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Homer Hall Post 66 of Charter Oak. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Karen Garrison officiating followed by a Vesper Lodge Masonic service, at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton. Visitation will resume 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Bill was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Charter Oak, to William A. and Edith M. (Matthews) Christensen. He grew up in Charter Oak and graduated from Carter Oak High School in 1947. He worked for a short time at Farmers State Bank and the implement dealer in Charter Oak. In 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years at Fort Sill, Okla.

Upon his discharge, he returned to Charter Oak, where he worked for a few years until he enrolled at the University of South Dakota. After receiving his teaching degree in 1960, he took a position as a social studies and science teacher at Maple Valley High School. In 1963, he completed his master's degree from the University of South Dakota and eventually became principal of Maple Valley High School in 1966. He retired from Maple Valley School District in 1992, after 32 years in the education field.

He was known for spending most of his free time in his greenhouse and garden, as well as participating in many civic activities. He was a member of the American Legion for more than 54 years, the Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years and was a longtime member of the Rotary Club and the Scottish Rite. He was a lifelong member of United Methodist Church in Charter Oak.

He leaves behind a brother, Charles (Raelee) Christensen of Wagoner, Okla.; three nephews, Eric (Diane) Christensen of New Holland, S.D., Brian (Erin) Christensen of Nashville, Tenn., and Collin Christensen of Wagoner, Okla.; a niece, Christine (Bob) Nedvedek of Tulsa, Okla.; and seven grandnephews, Daniel, David and Devin Christensen of New Holland, S.D., Dane and Garrett Christensen of Nashville, Tenn., and Ryan and Matthew Nedvedek of Tulsa, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.