Howard Christensen

Howard Warren Christensen was born on October 5th, 1922, near Wanda, MN to Walter and Mary Christensen. He attended primary school in Wanda and graduated from Lamberton HS in 1939.   At the age of 22, Howard met LuCille Lohre and married a year later (1946).  Their marriage was blessed with 4 adventurous boys and 1 amazing little girl.

Howard’s love of farming began as a necessity with the sudden passing of his father (Armistice Day blizzard) and caring for an invalid mother.   At the age of 18, Howard was responsible for the care of his mother and family farm.

Howard loved farming, farming and more farming. He transformed 480 acres of land into a premier farm, which he lovingly tended to until his last months.  With the help of family, friends, church and self-education he became a Successful Farmer.  Howard continued to drive to his farm almost weekly until a few months ago. Howard and LuCille moved to Arabella Manor in Alexandria in 2012. He would often state “I’ve lived on this farm for 95 years and this is where I am most happy!”

Howard enjoyed his special times with LuCille as a snowbird in Arizona and summer weekends at the lake in Alexandria.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, which were always the source of a good story.  Family and friends were always near.

All 5 children have many memories of farm tasks that kept them busy and instilled a great work ethic! One son joked that if things were slow on the farm, Howard would break something so they’d have something to do!  This hard work ethic ensured that all of the children graduated from college.

Howard died peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Alexandria, MN at the age of 95.  Howard is survived by his wife LuCille of 72 years; 5 children. Keith (Donette) of Sartell, Ron (Sandie) of Lakeville, Jim (Sandra) of Cottage Grove, Brian (Deb) of Chaska and Nancy (Robert, deceased) Tillman of Alexandria;  15 grandchildren, Keith’s - Amy (Dennis), Andrew (Kari Jo), Joshua (Sara) and Mark (Sara). Ron’s - Kari (Jake). Jim’s - Randy, Kelli, Grace, Rachel and Samuel. Brian’s - Paul and Sara. Nancy’s - Brooke (Scott), Stacy (Ted) and Lindsey (Andy); 23 great grandchildren; and a sister, Lorraine (Alvin) Graff of Jeffers.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, February 16, 2018, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lamberton with Reverend Mark Jamison officiating .  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment is at Wanda Cemetery, where he will overlook the farmstead of his youth, where he was most happy.

A memorial service will be held 2 PM on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Arabella Manor Building 1 in Alexandria wit h Reverend Greg Billberg officiating.