Alvin Christensen

Alvin Christensen, the son of Nels S. and Mary Lange Christensen, was born April 10, 1920, at his parents home southwest of Hamlin, Iowa and died May 5, 2011, at the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa at the age of 91 years and 25 days.
Alvin was baptized October 24, 1920, and confirmed April 14, 1935, at the Hamlin Lutheran Church in Hamlin, Iowa. He attended rural school Hamlin #4 in Audubon County, Iowa. Alvin then was employed as a farm hand for several area farmers. In October of 1941 he was inducted into the United States Army. During his tour of duty he served stateside in Texas. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. He returned to the Hamlin area and worked for several farmers.
On February 4, 1948, he was united in marriage to Elaine Mardel Nelson at the Exira Lutheran Church Parsonage in Exira, Iowa. Four children Jerry, Shirley, Lyle and Dale were born to this union. They operated several farms in the Audubon County area. In 1956 they purchased a farm northeast of Exira in Greeley Township. They operated a grain and livestock farm for many years and retired in the fall of 1994. They moved into Exira and Alvin enjoyed living at home until he broke his hip, and moved into the Exira Care Center on March 11, 2011.
Alvin was a member of the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira. He enjoyed playing cards especially playing pitch at family gatherings. Alvin learned to slow down and enjoyed the simpler things in life. For Alvin a good day was taking a ride with Elaine in the country and observing the progress of the crops later stopping for a meal before going home. Alvin loved his family and a great day was having his home filled with his family.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; Elaines parents Andrew C. and wife Bertha Nelson; his brother Leo and wife Violet Christensen and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Rosa and husband Harry Albertsen and Danzel and wife Erma Nelson.
Survivors include his wife Elaine M. Christensen of Exira, Iowa; his children: Jerry and wife Cheryl Christensen of Neola, Iowa, Shirley and husband Dennis Garnett of Exira, Lyle A. and wife Lisa Christensen of Clive, Iowa, and Dale L. and wife Sandra Christensen of Adel, Iowa; his grandchildren: Jesse and husband Chris Myers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kevin and wife Erin Christensen of Clarinda, Iowa, Darci and husband Erik Hoffman of Adel, and Branden Christensen of Clive; his great grandchildren: Hunter Christensen and Logan Christensen both of Clarinda, Haley Hoffman of Adel and Eliot Myers of Cedar Rapids; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Sunday evening at 5:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Vicar Rory Phillips on Monday, May 9, 2011, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Lutheran Church in Exira, Iowa.