"So sorry for your loss. Arlene was such a sweet lady.
Jeff and Patrice Claiborne"
In loving memory of
Arlene Christensen
June 13, 1934 - February 8, 2020
Arlene J. Christensen died Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Northcrest Community Health Care, Ames, Iowa, due to pancreatic cancer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., with a memorial service following at 10:30. A private graveside service will be held at Lake City Cemetery.
Arlene (Miller) Christensen was born June 13,1934 in Chicago, Illinois to Arnold and Clarice Dorothy 'Kip' (Cheadle) Miller. After her parents separated, her father looked after her while she lived with friends and relatives. When her father went to the US Army in 1942, she came to live with her Aunt Bess and Uncle George Miller near Spencer, Iowa where she attended country school.
She attended Spencer High School during which time she lived with the Berma and Barney Thomsen family, who became an extended family for her. She attended Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and then taught country school near Nickerson, Nebraska for one year. She attended Iowa State Teachers College, acquiring a two-year certificate. She was married to Dale L. Christensen August 14,1955 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer, Iowa. She taught 4th grade in the College Community School System, Cedar Rapids, Iowa for two years while Dale finished medical school.
She and her husband made their home at Lake City, Iowa where they raised four children, Janeen (Kent) Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jon (Denise) Christensen of Slater, Iowa, Lisa Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska, and Larry (Trisha) Christensen of Carroll, Iowa. She was further blessed by twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
She managed the household, the children, and menagerie of pets and animals on the acreage. She found time to serve as Sunday School Superintendent at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, support the Stewart Memorial Auxiliary and serve on a board for low cost housing, and various community projects.
Arlene and Dale moved to the Northcrest Community in Ames, Iowa. in 2011 and have enjoyed an engaging and pleasant lifestyle there. Arlene loved the world with a caring heart, taught others to make the way easier, and made a difference one life at a time. She will be sorely missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church or Northcrest Community Health Care in Arlene's name.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I have so many memories of Arlene, Dale and family growing up!! From spending time on the farm to IA Great Lakes. So many fun memories!! Arlene was like a sister to me and the kids like cousins. Hope we can all stay in touch. Rest in peace Arlene. We love you and will see you again??"
"Arlene remains in our hearts as one of the most dear friends and neighbors we will ever be blessed to experience! She shared her caring spirit throughout our Northcrest Community, and all the places she lived and ?sparkled?! She showed that angelic, loving character to the last minute. We?re certain she will continue to do so from her heavenly perspective now. We love you Arlene and continue to share that precious friendship with your family who we thank for sharing you with us! In Christ?s love, Ron and Dee"
"I have fond memories of Arlene. She brought lunch over to us in Lake View (real glass plates) and took home the dirty dishes. Another time she had us out to the farm for dinner. She was so sweet. Dr. Christensen and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Norma Wessling "
"Many wonderful memories of Arlene starting with sitting next to her in Bethesda choir. What a sweet, sweet lady. Her husband was a wonderful singer also. Visited with them briefly in church a while ago. I am sure many lives, including ours, were enriched by knowing her. I was also a 4th grade teacher. Surely, she made an impression on her students. "
"I have so many wonderful memories of Arlene! When she was Sunday School superintendent, she held a dinner for all teachers at church. It was delicious and I still make her chinese chicken broccoli recipe! She also was the one that told me about Cousin Camp at their place! The grandkids had to be potty trained to attend. And I have continued that tradition at our house for the last 12 years. She was a strong woman. She would state her opinion and always asked what your opinion was too. I guess that is what I loved about her the most, she always cared about your life and family. May God wrap His arms around Dr Christensen and the kids! Our love and sympathy, Sheila and Mark Remsburg"