Verne C. CHRISTENSEN

CHRISTENSEN, LEWIS, BRANDRUP, MCCORMICK, KAUFFMAN, MANGELS, NORRIS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/10/2007 at 01:10:28

Funeral services for Verne C. Christensen, 80, Eagle Grove, were Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006 at the United Methodist Church, Eagle Grove, with Rev. Mary K. Green officiating. Mr. Christensen died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006 at Trinity Regional Hospital in Fort Dodge. Casket bearers were Tom Kauffman, Dan Sorensen, Grant Mangels, Dave McCormick, Paul Campbell and Kane Miller. Honorary casket bearers were John Kauffman, Arnold Olson, Tyler Christensen, and Gus Romsey. Ann Shriver, organist accompanied Kerry Amonson in singing "On Eagle's Wings" and "How Great Thou Art."

Verne Christensen was born alongside twin brother, Virgil, Aug. 17, 1926 on his family's farm in rural Eagle Grove, the son of Chris and Atta Jane (Lewis) Christensen. He attended Eagle Grove High School before joining the 34th MP Company of the Iowa National Guard. He began farming grain and raising pigs in 1947, a career lasting over 50 years. A small farm advocate, Verne was always up-to-date on the latest farm news. He was a member of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and served on the Wright County Pork Producers' Executive Board. He also led the local farming community as a 12-year board member of the Goldfield Elevator, serving two years as president. He married the love of his life, Nola Brandrup July 16, 1950 at the United Methodist Church in Eagle Grove. The couple shared 56 wonderful years, establishing a loving, caring and giving household with three children. Verne took great pride in the restoration of his 1928 Model A Coupe, 1929 Model A Roadster and 1950 Ford, earning him a reputation as one of the finest mechanics in the area. He was an active member of the Humboldt Model A Club for 25 years and served as a Methodist Youth Fellowship leader for several years. Always the first to smile and crack a joke, Verne will be remembered for his endearing wit and ability to brighten even the most serious of conservations with laughter. A true kid at heart, Verne loved playing with his children and grandchildren, and he closely followed all of the activities as they grew, supporting them every step of the way. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him, and his famous grilled pork chops and homemade angel food cake will always be legendary. Verne died after having lived a full life at home in the house in which he was born.

Survivors include his wife, Nola; children, Candace McCormick (David) of Omaha, Neb., Frances Kauffman (Tom) of Boxholm, and John Christensen (Barb) of Middleton, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Katie McCormick of Norfolk, Va., Kristin McCormick and Melissa Mangels (Grant) of Omaha, John Kauffman of Marion, Holly Kauffman of Boxholm, and Kelci and Tyler Christensen of Middleton, Wis., a sister, Mildred Norris of Clinton, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a twin brother, Virgil; and brothers, Lewis, Harvey and Howard Christensen. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove, was in charge of arrangements.

©The Ogden Reporter 2006 20 September 2006