Mervin L. Christensen, 78, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at the Griswold Care Center.

Mervin Lee Christensen, was born July 15, 1940, to Adolph “Ted” and Gladys (Grote) Christensen in Casey, Iowa. As a youngster he moved to the Wiota area with his family. He attended Wiota Schools and graduated with the Class of 1958. On August 8, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy under the “buddy plan” with six of his classmates. While in the Navy he served aboard the air craft carrier U.S.S. Hornet making several tours overseas.

On October 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jeanine Euken at the First Lutheran Church of Wiota. During his time in the Navy they made their home in Bremerton, Washington and Long Beach, California. Two children, Cory and Julie, were born to this union.

On July 13, 1962, he was honorably discharged and returned to the Wiota area to begin farming. In his early years of farming he rented farm ground and did custom corn shelling; in addition to furthering his agriculture education under the GI program. In 1973, he and Jeanine purchased the Euken Family Century Farm from Jeanine’s parents.

Merv received great pleasure in raising, showing, and breeding American Quarter and Paint Horses. He was a lifetime member of both the American Quarter Horse and the American Paint Horse Associations serving two terms on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Paint Horse Association. He enjoyed participating in his children and later grandchildren’s school and 4-H activities. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Wiota. He served on the Anita School Board at the time of the construction of the present high school building.

After retiring from farming he was employed at Mahle in Atlantic and Southwest Iowa Egg in Massena. In 2015, he moved to Atlantic when his health began to decline.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph “Ted” and Gladys Christensen; mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Leona Euken; twin brother, Merlyn Christensen; brother-in-law, Larry Richter; and sister-in-law, Faye Christensen.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanine Christensen of Atlantic; son, Cory Christensen of Atlantic; daughter, Julie and husband, Cliff Aupperle of Wiota; grandchildren, Alyssa M. Christensen of Atlantic, Justin and wife, Bethany Aupperle and their son, Cameron Reid all of St. Ansgar, Iowa, Jessica S. Aupperle of Wiota; sister, Mardell Richter of Atlantic; aunt, Darlene Hockenberry of Atlantic; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Open visitation will be available on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until time of family visitation. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, south of Wiota, with Pastor Mike Bodkins officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Anita American Legion Post, in the First Lutheran Cemetery, south of Wiota.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Mervin’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE

Mervin L. Christensen

BORN
July 15, 1940 - Casey, Iowa

DIED
September 19, 2018 - Griswold, Iowa
At the age of 78 years, 2 months and 4 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m., Monday, September 24, 2018
First Lutheran Church - Wiota, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Mike Bodkins

MUSICIAN
Jan Steffens

CONGREGATIONAL MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Abide With Me” #878
“I’m But A Stranger Here” #748
“When Peace Like a River” #763
“The Old Rugged Cross” see insert

CASKET BEARERS
Mike Murphy
Dean Eilts
Joe Nelsen
Ray Ostrus
Darwin Swanson
Rich Hall

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Rich Tibken
Dennis Hall
Brian Andersen
Duane Steffens

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Martha Tibken
Mary Nelsen
Elaine Martens
Sondra Christensen

INTERMENT
First Lutheran Cemetery - Wiota, Iowa
“Daddy’s Hands” recorded by Holly Dunn

MILTIARY HONORS
Anita VFW Post #210 - Anita, Iowa

The family invites you to join them following the
committal service for lunch in the fellowship hall.