Greg Christensen

Gregory “Greg” Christensen, 61, of Cumberland, Iowa, passed away at Unity Pointe Hospital in Des Moines on May 2, 2023.

Greg was born to Betty (Brown) Erisman in Greenfield, Iowa on January 12, 1962.  In his early years, Greg was active in football, little league baseball, fishing, deer hunting, pheasant hunting, going to rodeos with his mother to compete in barrel races, and just hanging out with his grandparents.  He especially liked eating all of his grandparent’s blueberries off the vine until he was finally sent home!

Greg attended high school in Hamilton, Missouri and graduated there in 1980.  Shortly after high school he joined the Marines where he was stationed in Twentynine Palms, California.  After his time in the military, Greg returned to Missouri where he worked as an iron worker, prison guard, lumberyard worker, “roady” for a band, and gardener at Earl May in Omaha, Nebraska.  He then moved to Cumberland to work at the bearings plant as a plant worker and eventually transferred to the maintenance department.  He enjoyed his time and working with his many friends at MAHLE for over 28 years. 

In Greg’s later years, he loved riding his Harley Davidson and going to Sturgis with his cousins Bear and Patty and treasured hours spent deer hunting with his son, Ethan, near Bridgewater Lake.  On his own time, he dabbled in leatherwork, listened to old rock and roll, collected firearms, and watched old westerns (especially Quigly Down Under).  His favorite thing in life was being with his children and grandchildren at sporting events, musicals, and family get togethers.  In all of his orneriness, he was a quiet, honest man who was not afraid to give you his opinion when he felt it was needed.  He’ll forever be remembered as a great Dad, great friend and the one and only Papa Greg.

He is survived by his daughters and sons, Rhiana, Krystl, Cami, Ethan, Nate, and their families; his brother Rick Christensen, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  Atlantic Color Guard will be presenting honors after the service.  A recording of the service is available below after the slideshow.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

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