"Naomi and famiy, We were sorry to hear the news of Bob's passing. We enjoyed visiting with bob and your family at the Strahan Church. You and your family re in our thoughts and prayers. Debi"
In loving memory of
Robert Christensen
December 29, 2008
Robert Fred Christensen, the second of five children of John Fred and Gladys Veronica (Miller) Christensen, was born Dec. 4, 1932, in College Springs, IA. He graduated from Amity High School, College Springs, in 1950, where he participated in basketball, football, baseball, FFA, band and vocal music. A standout high school basketball player, Bob turned down the opportunity to play college basketball at Iowa State University to pursue a career in farming.
As a youth, he was also active in 4-H and served as the Iowa Boys' State 4-H Vice-President, was a state 4-H leadership award winner and attended National 4-H Camp. Following graduation, he farmed, served as a 4-H leader, and was a football and basketball referee.
Bob met Naomi Chamberlain at the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H livestock show, Omaha, during high school. They married on June 28, 1953, and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in June, 2008. The Christensens moved to a farm near Strahan, in 1961. For 45 years, Bob was a self-employed farmer and livestock producer whose goal was to conserve and improve the land upon which he and his family made their living. His son, Doug, joined the farming operation in 1976.
Bob was named 1968 Farm Manager of the Year by the Iowa State University Ag-Business Club, 1980 Iowa Seedstock Producer of the Year by the Iowa Beef Breeds Council, and 1983 Iowa Master Farmer by Wallace Farmer Magazine. Bob and Naomi were the Omaha Kiwanis Club's Outstanding Farm Family in 1989. The Christensens had a farrow-to-finish hog operation, and Bob was a recipient of the Mills County Master Pork Producer Award.
He was a charter member of both the Iowa and American Simmental Associations. Bob's life-long passion was his herd of Simmental cattle. He helped organize the Iowa Simmental Association in 1970 and served as its executive secretary-treasurer for 34 years, managing the state Simmental sale for many years and, also, the national Simmental sale in 1978. The Iowa Simmental Association honored Bob and Naomi with the inaugural Christensen Elite Award in 1981, named in their honor, which has been awarded annually. Bob was also the recipient of the Switzerland-based World Simmental Federation Golden Book Award, the highest honor given by the American Simmental Association through its membership in the Federation.
Bob was a 4-H leader for 40 years and inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2003. He also served as a trustee on the Iowa 4-H Foundation and on the Iowa State University Extension Advisory Committee.
In Mills County, he served on the Extension Council and Youth Committee, as county fair beef superintendent, was a 32-year member of the Fair Board and a leader of the Mills County 4-H Teen Club. Bob also served on the Farmers Home Administration, ASCS Committee and the Nishna Valley School Board, including two years as president. He helped organize and was a charter member of the Southwest Iowa Farm Business Association and served as chairperson of the State Farm Business Council for two years.
Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church for 64 years, having joined the College Springs Methodist Church at age 12, the Strahan Methodist Church in 1961, and became an associate member of the Salem United Methodist Church, Council Bluffs, in 2005. He served the church at Strahan as a choir member, lay leader, chairperson of administrative council, trustee's chairperson, and leader of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. In 1980, Bob secured cattle for the Heifer International Project for South Dakota Native Americans.
Bob and Naomi retired from farming in 2005 and moved to Risen Son Christian Village, Council Bluffs. Bob died there on Dec. 29, 2008, having reached the age of 76 years and 25 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bob is survived by his wife, Naomi, Council Bluffs; son, Doug (Lynn) Christensen, Hastings; daughter, Donna Christensen-Mores (Alan Mores), Harlan; grandchildren Seth (Sally) Christensen, Council Bluffs; Bryce (Krista) Christensen, West Des Moines; Gregg Christensen, St. Louis, MO; Jackson Mores and Chandler Mores, Harlan; great-grandsons Tyler, Nate, Luke and Cole Christensen; sisters Corrine (Dave) Williams, Villisca; Shirley Herzberg, Clarinda; Janice (Berle) Decker, Omaha; Diane (Keith) Messinger, Waterloo; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Memorials suggested to:
Strahan United Methodist Church
64632 360th Street
Hastings, IA 51540
Iowa Simmental Association
2952 310th Street
Orient, IA 50858
Tributes
"Dear Naomi, Doug, Donna and families, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. He was someone who I and my generation always looked up to as he set a standard which we only hope we could achieve. He (and you Naomi) were a wonderful influence in my life and you will always have a wonderful presence in my heart when I think of all the great times we shared through our church, 4-H and high school activities. God bless and know that your family is in our prayers."
"Naomi, Doug, Donna and Families-Our sympathy to all of you. May keeping many happy memories close in your hearts help you through this sad time. Melonie & James"
"I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family in this time of grief. My memories of Bob stem from the Mills County Fair and his many years of service to the fair and the 4-H program. He will be truely missed."
"Marlene Mitts Gant just sent word that Bob had died. The years have passed so quickly since we were all little enjoying the farm and playing with our cousins. It has been several years since I have seen any of your family, maybe at Mom's funeral(Fern Hensleigh Grove), not sure. Any how, I am so sorry. May love and prayers support you through this time and in the future. "
"Dear Christensen Family -- We are so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jeremy, Rachel and Sam Ratcliff"
"I want to add my sincere sympathy to the family. We know what a loss you are experiencing and will keep you all in our prayers. I know Bob will always be in your hearts and memories. The Greg Johnson Family "
"Naomi, We enjoyed working with you and Bob through the Simmental Assc. Because of Bob we became very enthusastic about Simmental. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. Wilbur and Greta Cordes"
"To Naomi and family - I was very sorry to hear of Bob's death. I remember being at your wedding and thought you made such a "special" couple. I also remember how I enjoyed hearing you and Bob sing - you made beautiful music together! For all you did for the Mills County 4-H program - thank you. Those memories will be long remembered. "
"We extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family at this difficult time. Bob has had a long struggle, but was an inspiration to all who knew him. We are in Texas until mid March and will not be able to attend his Memorial Service. We wish you the very best. Tom & Margaret Livengood"
"Naomi, I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. I hope your happy memories give you strength. I'll be thinking of your family this week. Heidi Lowthorp"
"Dearest Noeme and Doug and Family. We send our prayers and love during this time. Bob was such a busy man and put up such a fight. We will be thinking of all of you. The memories that you have of the years gone by will be a great help. God Bless each of you . Love Connie and Ernie Spiker"
"Naomi, Doug and family, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Bob was a tremendous guy, and I enjoyed the many visits we've had over the past 20-plus years. He was always honest and fair, and we are all better for having known him. My prayers are with you all, and may your many memories comfort you in the days ahead. God bless you all."
"We were saddened to read about Bob's death on the KMA site. Please know that we are thinking of you, Naomi, and your family and that you have our deepest sympathy. We enjoyed seeing the two of you in Treynor not so long ago."
"Naomi and Family, I was so sorry to read of Bob's passing. I will never forget his kindness to my mom. I remember a night in Omaha that you and Bob took mom (Ruth Porter) and I out to eat after my parents had separated and Bob gave mom $100.00 I don't know if you knew it but she had no money and what a gift that was to her. Your kindness meant so much! Mom died in Jan 2007 so I know she was very glad to see Bob! I remember many happy times on your farm. Please take good care and my God grant you peace. You are a wonderful family and Bob was a wonderful man."
"Naomi: Sorry to read of your husband's death. I didn't know you were living in Council Bluffs. Remember the good times. Naomi is in the nursing home with Alzeimer's. God Bless. Dick and Naomi Smith"
"Naomi and family: So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He certainly fought a hard long fight and God Bless you for hanging in there too girl. I have always admired your ability to take what ever challenge was given you. I have missed seeing you over the last few years. Take care and stop in and see us sometime at the Courthouse. We miss your presence there. My deepest sympathy to all of you I know Bob was very proud of all of his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carol Robertson and family."
"My deepest condolences to Naomi and your family. May your happy memories of Bob comfort you during this time. Love and Peace, Sonja Cambridge"
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May precious memories help you through these difficult times. In friendship and love, Elaine Farwell"
"Naomi, I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He has fought a long hard battle and now he can be at peace. I am in Texas right now, but want you to know that I am thinking of you and hope that you are doing as well as can be expected. "
"Naomi, I am so sorry to see the news on the KMA website. Jon had told me earlier in the season Bob was really struggling. May you get some rest and be comforted by your many wonderful memories. It was a joy to visit you and Bob on my 60th birthday last year. Elaine Armstrong"