Craig Jay Christensen

Craig Jay Christensen, 62, of Walnut, Iowa, died, Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, after being admitted there the day prior.

Craig was born on September 21, 1959, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church.  Growing up he was active in the Rorbeck Ramblers 4-H Club and on the 4-H County Council.  Craig attended Elk-Horn - Kimballton Community Schools and graduated in the Class of 1978.  Following graduation, he attended trucking school and gained experience helping farmers in the area.  When he was finally of age and had gained some time behind the wheel of a big rig he worked for Mapleton Grain, Petersen Bros and most recently Oberg Freight Company, where he had worked for 11 years.  He hauled various freight, his mother Shirley remembers the time he had to part with a bunch of bananas that went bad in transit; resulting in everyone in the Marne area baking a lot of banana bread and other goodies.  He loved trucking, it was his passion; saying it allowed him freedom and a way to see the United States.  Craig also worked in the oil fields in Worland, Wyoming checking anchors on oil rigs.  In 2002, Craig was diagnosed with cancer.  He was treated successfully and deemed cancer free in 2004.  In August of 2021, a brain tumor was found – forcing him to retire.

Craig was an avid “antiquer” and farm sale attendee, buying furniture and assorted tools that caught his eye.  He looked forward to the annual Walnut Antique Walk on Father’s Day weekend with his parents, scoping out all it had to offer.  Craig also enjoyed snow skiing and motorcycles.

Craig is survived by his mother, Shirley Christensen of Marne; brother, Troy (Mary) Christensen of Elk Horn; brother-in-law, Rick Theisen of Granger; niece and nephew, Cole and Kyra Theisen of Flagstaff, Arizona; step-nieces, Tara (Cory) Scholl and their children, Tanner and Cooper of Griswold and Amber (Corey) Chalupa and their children, Owen and Makayla of Waukee; aunts, Lois Jean and Margaret Christensen of Elk Horn; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, father, Dale Christensen, and sister, Jan Theisen.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Elk Horn Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery.

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