John Lester Christensen

Memorial services for John Lester Christensen, age 85, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2014 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.  Rev. Clayton Balsley and Rev. Mark Miller will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  

John died Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the New Richland Care Center.  

John Lester Christensen was born May 30, 1928, the son of Alfred J. and Iva (Larsen) Christensen.  He grew up in Albert Lea and attended country school. John served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was stationed in Port Townsend, WA and operated landing crafts.  In June 1952 John was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Bickford at Salem Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.  John spent 70 years on the family farm working as a dairy farmer.  He enjoyed refinishing furniture, taking care of the farm and his family, old time dancing, history of Indian culture and motorcycles. He loved traveling west to the mountains and taking a nap. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  The last 16 years he has been living at The New Richland Care Center, New Richland MN.

The Family wanted to thank the Staff at New Richland Care Center for the good care that was given to John during the stay there.

Survivors include his brother, Jim Christensen; children, Kent (Carmen) Christensen, Kay (Dean) Werner and Kevin Christensen; grandchildren, Steven (Judy) Christensen, Keith Christensen, Kendall Christensen, Derek Christensen, Tyler Christensen, Kendra (Josh) Krowiorz, Nicole (Jade) Bartness, Jeremy (Alissha) Utley, Abby (Jared) Christensen, Kim (Scott) Heilman, Karla Kelly, Brian Werner, David Christensen, Donald Christensen, Debbie Christensen; many great-grandchildren and sister-in-law, Judy (Gary) Johnson.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barb Christensen; grandchildren, Mike Utley, Edward Werner and Rick Kelly; sister Barbara Christensen; in-laws: Rena Christensen, Helen and Ray Katzung, Dorothy Zitterow, Joan and John Edwards.