Obituary of Marvin N. Christensen

Marvin Nelson Christensen of Waubun, Minnesota died peacefully in his sleep Friday, January 4, 2013. Marvin was born in West Branch, Iowa on July 15, 1927, the youngest son of Ancher and Martha Christensen. He attended University High School and the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. Marvin proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and earned a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. Marvin married Mary Lou Miller of Burlington, Iowa on December 17, 1949. They were married 49 years. Marvin worked professionally in insurance, real estate, and banking. One of his proudest achievements was when he and Mary Lou donated the building and grounds of the Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, Minnesota. Marvin married University High School classmate Virginia Peterson on January 19, 2001. They lived in Pharr, Texas, Tidewater, Oregon, Waubun, Minnesota, Muscatine, Iowa, and Ashland, Oregon. Marvin enjoyed traveling and good friends and never missed the opportunity to tell a story or a joke, some of them not repeatable in polite company. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Lou, and his brothers, Elvig (Whitey), Carl, John and Ancher Jr. Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Virginia; son, Stephen Christensen and his wife Linda of Alexandria, Virginia; daughter, Barbara Christensen and her husband, John Kamp, of Coralville, Iowa; his much loved grandchildren, Adam and Maryja Longtin; step-daughters, Gail, Leslie, Melinda, and Lauren and their families; numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear and loyal friends. Though not written by Marvin, the following quote exemplifies how he lived his life - Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body. Rather, it's to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW- what a ride!" A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Circles of Faith United Church of Christ, Waubun, Minnesota. Online condolences may be sent for Marvin's family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Marvin's family and his arrangements.