"So sad to hear of Ken's passing. I met him through friends in the 70's, and he went with me to join a band in Rockford, Ill. after we returned to the lakes area he joined Justin Davis with me and Steve. It was a rockin time, no money, but good music and fun on the road. I'll never forget his quick wit and ready smile, and the many conversations we had travelling. Godspeed Ken. Your friend, Greg Hedin, Boise Id."
In loving memory of
Ken Christensen
May 21, 1956 - March 16, 2015
The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Kenneth L. Christensen was born May 21, 1956, in Norfolk, VA, the son of James and Noma (Snell) Christensen. He was a graduate of Melvin High School.
Ken married Susanne Golladay on June 8th, and they have been together for 20 years. He drove semi-trucks most of his life for Cherokee Express, Larry Rustan, Jeff Clo Trucking, and more recently, Dave Kooker Trucking where he was currently employed.
Ken enjoyed woodworking, watching movies, and tuning in to the History Channel. He loved rock and roll music, and he played in the Justin Davis Band. When coming home, he liked the company of his four pups: Bernie, Maggie, Gina and Bella. He also loved to tell stories and spend time with family and friends. Ken was a gentle soul who was always quick witted and willing to help anyone for any reason. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by many.
On March 16, 2015, Ken passed away at his home in Ayrshire.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne of Ayrshire, IA; his daughter, Ann Golladay (Zack Vaughn) of Turin, IA; son: Brent Golladay (Nicole) of Lemars, IA, Jeffrey Golladay of Cedar Rapids, IA; and three daughters and a son from a previous marriage; two brothers: Don Christensen (Brenda) of Colorado and Jack Christensen (Linda); 10 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Noma; and his step-father, Lloyd McKenna.
Tributes
"I am so going to miss Ken. I always knew that no matter how much time had passed between our phone calls or texts or, that we could start back up where we left off. He was so kind and loving, but most of all just a great person to be around. I feel like a part of me is gone. My favorite memories of him are the ones of us sitting around a kitchen table and listening to him tell stories and jokes. He always warmed my heart. I hope he is sitting with our Mom and Dad telling those stories and jokes right now, but I bet he is making time to play guitar in the greatest band there ever was! He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him and would be proud that he had so many friends and admirers. Not only was Ken my brother, but he was my best friend. I miss you Bro! "
"I have several happy memories of my father. I remember him loving to camp. Growing up, my sister and I couldn't wait for the weekends that my parents planned to pitch the tent, hang the hammock and cook breakfast on the Coleman stove at our favorite spots on Inks Lake. He traveled a lot as we were growing up. I'll always remember the anticipation of his return, when Kandice and I would get the chance to sleep in his truck over night. We just thought that was the greatest thing ever! The anticipation of his return has been gone for a long time. I'll probably always wonder if he thought of us. If he missed seeing us or wondered how we were doing. My prayer is that he knew Jesus and that someday I will have a chance to ask him those questions. I pray that the family he has now will be comforted. Healing, even through unspeakable suffering is available. I know this first hand. God is so much bigger than any of it! So, from myself, my two sisters, Kandice and Sarah, and for our precious brother Drew Christensen, who will carry on the Christensen name, I say: We love you dad. We forgive you. We hope to see you again someday. In His redemption, Kara"
"Susanne and family, I didn't know Ken but wanted to give my Sympathy to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"A lot of my Melvin HS memories include Ken, JC, and Noma. I think the last time we visited was when he played with Justin Davis Band. There are plenty of stories, but the memories are now only mine. RIP Ken. "
"I had the pleasure of being with Ken for close to 20 years. Every day seemed to pass to fast. 20 years and I still had more to learn from him and about him. His laughter was contagious and you couldn't help smiling back at him. He was my soul and would do anything to make me happy. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. Hard to imagine life without him and even harder to accomplish. I LOVE YOU YESTERDAY, TODAY and TOMORROW. "
"Ken and I played together in a rock and roll band in the mid seventies. (Photo 1975). We had a great time in our youth then. He was a great guitar player and singer. Being on the road together was fun and we always got along with each other. I was looking forward to playing with him again sometime but life and schedules didn't let it happen. I'll miss him as a fellow musician and long-time friend. My condolences to the family. Steve Samuelson, Sr. Spirit Lake, IA"
"I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Ken well but I want to extend my deepest sympathy to cousin Susanne and family."
"Kenny was such a great guy! He always was able to brighten our office and everyone in it. He was so quick witted and so funny! I think he was always smiling under that big old beard!! He will be truly missed. He was an extremely hard worker that never complained. He will be remembered as one of the good ole boys!! I wish I could hear him tell me one more dirty joke!!! RIP my friend!"
"Remember him playing on stage, now with a new band RIP my friend!"