Dale Christensen

Dale L. Christensen, 78, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017, at the Stuart Community Care Center.

Dale Leroy was born on October 22, 1938, in Viola Township, Audubon County, Iowa, the son of Harry and Ellen (Robinson) Christensen. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1957.

On October 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to Sharlot Mae Johansen in Audubon, Iowa. The couple lived in Atlantic until Dale enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his honorable discharge the couple returned to Atlantic, and Dale began working for Safeway. Dale dedicated himself to the store, and had worked his way into role of General Grocery Manager. He loved his job because he was always busy, and delighted in helping his customers in any way he could, even if this meant making a delivery to their home. As the store changed names over the years it was always said, "you buy the building, the fixtures, and Dale!" He served the people of Atlantic in the grocery business for over 30 years.

Dale wasn't only busy at work, but also when he was home. He was adamant that his home be in pristine shape and was often seen mowing on the hottest of days and scooping the heaviest snow imaginable. Dale looked forward to trips near and far for gun shows. When it was time to put his feet up he enjoyed the History Channel and American Pickers. It wasn't often that Dale would turn down an opportunity to go for a ride to see the countryside and reminisce about old times. Above all he delighted in spending time with his grandkids! Dale was member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Elks Lodge.

Dale is survived by his daughters, Lisa Noble of Grimes, Krista (Scott) Small of Atlantic, and Lori (Chris) Burgess of Urbandale; grandchildren, Brian Noble and fiancé, Rebecca Knowles, Alex Noble, Shane Burgess, Kyle Burgess, Lindsey (Brock) Taylor, and Travis Small; great-grandchildren, Koledyn and Addalyn Taylor and Brinley Noble; brothers, Dr. Donald (Nancy) Christensen of Austin, TX, and Duane (Betty) Christensen of Audubon; sisters, Joan (Robert) Nair of Des Moines, Debbie (Richard) Matheny of Dedham, and Dixie Christensen of Dedham; many nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ellen Christensen; wife, Sharlot in 1995; and son-in-law, Steve Noble.

Open visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23rd and visitation with the family will be held Monday, July 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 25th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Grant Van Lishout officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Atlantic, Bethany Lutheran Church in Kimballton, where he was baptized, or Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Dale's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

In Remembrance

Dale L. Christensen

BORN
October 22, 1938 ~ Viola Township, Audubon County, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
July 20, 2017 ~ Stuart, Iowa
At the age of
78 Years, 8 Months & 28 Days

FUNERAL SERVICES
10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 25, 2017
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Grant Van Lishout

ORGANIST
Eileen Denne

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Amazing Grace” by the Congregation
“Rock of Ages” by the Congregation
“I Can Only Imagine” recorded by Mercy Me

CASKET BEARERS
Alex Noble
Brian Noble
Shane Burgess
Kyle Burgess
Lindsey Taylor
Travis Small

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Rex Hight
Howard Crouse
Burdette Bruner
Mick Schleusener
Bob Petersen
Keith Hoffman

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard

The family invites you to join them for lunch in the fellowship
following services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic,
Bethany Lutheran Church in Kimballton, where Dale was baptized,
or Alzheimer’s Association Great Iowa Chapter

"GOD'S GARDEN"
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered “Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone…
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.