Larry D. Christensen

Larry D. Christensen was called home August 18, 2018, at the age of 79. Larry was born on May 25, 1939, in Marshalltown and grew up on a farm in Toledo, Iowa. He is the oldest son of Henrik and Helen Christensen. He graduated from Toledo High School in 1957 and graduated college from Iowa State University in 1961. He married his high school sweetheart, Jane, in 1960. He worked for Rath Packing Company and Jimmy Dean Sausage, retiring April 1, 2001 (true to his sense of humor retiring on April Fool’s Day). Larry is survived by his wife Jane of 58 years; children Scott Christensen (Norwalk, IA) and Michelle Rock (Rockford, IL); grandchildren Camden Rock, Joseph Rock, and Finley Rock; and brother Lee Christensen (Kansas). Larry was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, a brother in Masonic Lodge 77 in Osceola, Iowa and Masonic Lodge 8 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, a Boy Scout leader for Troop 28 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and United Methodist Men. Larry gave tirelessly to his community through coaching baseball, youth groups, summer youth camps, and mission work. Larry loved woodworking, carving, playing cards, and camping with family. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help others, his quick sense of humor, and his love of life.
A celebration of life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Rd., Rockford at 11 a.m., with a visitation at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. The family invites donations in Larry’s name to Grace United Methodist Church to be used for his beloved mission, Henderson Settlement (for youth ministries). Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home.