Norma Christensen

Norma Christensen, 93, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.

Norma Darlene Glissmann was born on February 16, 1930, on a farm in rural  Walnut to John and Bertha (Roder) Glissmann.  Times were challenging when Norma grew up during the depression, but through her experiences she quickly learned how to be thankful for what she had and how to be dedicated to family, no matter the circumstance.  While helping raise her brother at the age of 11, Norma exemplified her generation’s commitment to doing whatever it took to make everything work out for the better; a patriotic characteristic that carried our country to victory in World War II.  On Pearl Harbor Day, she and her family moved off the farm to Atlantic where she would remain for the rest of her life.

After the war ended, she met and married Ralph Christensen in 1950.  Together they raised three children in Atlantic; an accomplishment she would consider the greatest of her life.  As a loving, honest, hardworking Mother and provider, she specialized in baking cherry and apple pies, canning, and cooking most any food to perfection.  In her later years, her home was the main meeting point for the entire family.  Not a day went by without kids or grandkids being present at Grandma’s, especially during holidays.  She made raising and loving her family her top priority–without exception.

Norma is survived by her sons, Dave (Sherry) Christensen of Mount Pleasant and Gary Christensen of Atlantic; daughter, Donna (Randy) Bonnesen of Atlantic; grandchildren, Drew Christensen of Carroll, Daniel Bonnesen of Massena, and Kayla Bonnesen of Omaha, Nebraska; and great-grandchildren, Greyson Bonnesen and Easton Bonnesen, both of Massena.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, John and Bertha Glissmann; husband, Ralph Christensen; son, Rodney Christensen; and brothers, Leonard and Jack Glissmann.

Visitation with family present will be held on Thursday, October 5th beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Kyle McBee officiating.  Burial will be held at the Atlantic Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. 

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