Arild Magne Christensen

Arild Magne Christensen, the son of Anton and Margaret Rasmussen Christensen, was born November 3, 1929, at his parents’ home in Kimballton, Iowa and entered into peaceful rest August 16, 2011, at the Crestview Care and Rehabilitation Center in West Branch, Iowa at the age of 81 years, 9 months, and 13 days. Arild was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He attended grade school in Kimballton and then graduated from the Audubon High School with the Class of 1948. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his tour of duty he served as an electrician on a naval ship. He was honorably discharged and returned to the Kimballton area. On September 16, 1950, he was united in marriage to Edna Mae Christoffersen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. Four children Julie, Clark, Carolyn, and Janelle were born to this union. Arild farmed briefly, and then soon started a business with his father-in-law, Nels Christoffersen. They owned and operated a hardware store in Kimballton. In addition Arild worked as an electrician and plumber. He also installed air conditioning/heating units and cleaned septic tanks. Later he opened a Gamble hardware store in Harlan, Iowa. In 1975, Arild was involved in an auto accident which resulted in him suffering a major stroke. He rehabilitated, was forced to retire, but was able to return home to care for his wife. Arild remained very active keeping himself busy raising and breeding dogs, woodworking, caning/restoring chairs, buying antiques, and attending flea markets to sell his creations. Edna Mae died March 25, 1991. Arild lived at home later moving to Iowa City, Iowa. Then moved to West Branch, Iowa in June of 2008. Prior to his stroke Arild was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was a board member, sang in the church choir, and he was instrumental in building the new church addition. Arild loved to watch baseball. He was ready and willing to attend any social event, especially a monthly card club that was a great source of entertainment for him and a chance to spend time with old friends. One of his greatest joys was his grandchildren. Arild was preceded in death in addition to his wife Edna Mae; were his mother and father, Anton and Margaret Christensen, and an infant sister. Survivors include his beloved friend, Helen McClean of Iowa City, IA; his children and their spouses: Julie Christensen of San Antonio, TX, Clark and wife Lou Ann Christensen of Iowa City, IA, Carolyn Christensen of San Antonio, TX, Janelle and husband Maurice Bell of Madison Heights, VA; his grandchildren: Kara Christensen of Prairie Village, KS, Erin Christensen of Ames, IA, Thomas Bell of Richmond, VA, Geoffrey Bell of Madison Heights, VA, Auriella and Andrew Hunter both of San Antonio, TX; his brother and sisters: Paul Christensen of Elk Horn, IA, Ingrid Heilskov of Hampton, IA, Blanche and husband Allan Jacobsen of Audubon, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton, Iowa.



Visitation:
The family will meet with friends on Friday evening at 6:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral Services will be conducted by Pastor Joy Gonnerman on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at 9:30 A.M. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa.