Don E. Christensen

Don E. Christensen, 74, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Don Edward was born on April 23, 1949, in Carroll, Iowa, the son of V.E. “Barney” and Betty (Jensen) Christensen.  He grew up in Exira, Iowa, and graduated from Exira High School in 1967. Following graduation, he attended Northwest Missouri State University.   

On December 6, 1969, he was united in marriage to Nancy Grebert at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clarinda.  The couple was blessed with two children, Andrea and Anthony.  Don was always grateful he met such a happy, intelligent, and loving woman.  Following their marriage, it was time to decide where to plant their roots and after Nancy took a teaching job in Atlantic it became home.  The family looked forward to spending weekends and vacations, which were usually based around fishing, a love he carried from his youth, at Littlefield, Black Hawk and Okoboji.  

Don was the manager at The Valley before taking a job as a welder at American Builders.  During this time, he also received his real estate license which in turn led him to purchasing the several rental properties he had for the next 20 years.  Don later started with friends, Northland Financial Group in Des Moines which he operated until his retirement.  

He was an intelligent man and enjoyed the simple things in life, usually with a cup of coffee not far from reach.  Morning gatherings at Burger King with friends were a highlight of his day for many years.  Time at home was spent reading, watching Gun Smoke, staying on top of his finances by calling around to make sure he was getting the best interest rate, and working on the various woodworking projects.  He had amazing talent in all the things he crafted including crown molding for homes and various furniture pieces including a replica of a chair from the early 1900’s.  

Don’s kids always told him he was a friend magnet, making them wherever he went and he didn’t care what their background might be; he showed everyone kindness!  If someone was down on their luck, whether it be life choices or a physical disability, he would build their confidence by asking them to help with various projects he needed help with.  Don was a bit feisty and when meeting him for the first time the best way to be quick friends was to throw his orneriness right back at him.

Don was baptized at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Audubon and attended the Church of God of Prophecy and now New Life Church.  Don’s faith was strong; he had an unbreakable bond with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   He would often remind family to be sure their faith was where they wanted it to be!

Don’s kindness, the repetitive stories not so much, will be greatly missed by his children, Andrea (Alan) Woodruff of Cumberland and Anthony (Rachael) Christensen of Lewis; grandchildren, Ellisa (significant other, Heath Hepler) Woodruff, Craig (Nicole) Woodruff, Chance Woodruff, Kenna Christensen and Grant Christensen; great-granddaughter, Laikyn; sister, Marletta McKercher of Omaha; niece and nephew, Katie and John McKercher; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David (Connie) Grebert of Clarinda, Judy (Tom) Graham of Essex, Susie Grebert of Clarinda, Dennis (Tammy) Grebert of Shenandoah, Ronnie (Kim) Grebert of Clarinda, and Sherry Grebert of Shenandoah; and many extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, V.E. “Barney” and Betty Christensen; mother and father-in-law, Hilbert and Frances Grebert; wife, Nancy Christensen; brothers-in-law, Al “Sonny” Grebert and Ted McKercher; and sister-in-law, Betty (Robert) Naico. 

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic with Pastor Ben Winford of New Life Church officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to the many charities Don supported.

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