Larry Christenson

Larry D. Christenson was born to Morris Tom and MaryEtta (Slawson) Christenson on April 26, 1925 in Webster City, Iowa. He was the youngest of 9 children born to Tom and MaryEtta He grew up in the Webster City area. When he was in his 20’s he moved to the Laporte, MN where he played with a hometown country band called ‘Slim and his steel guitar’. Larry was Slim and could make his steel guitar talk! Some time later his family moved to a farm on Platt Lake near Mille Lacs Lake. He worked the farm for several years. In March of 1961 he married Barbara Jean Brown. They moved to Webster City in 1965, he worked for Franklin Manufacturing until 1971 when they returned to Brainerd, MN where he worked as steam engineer and maintenance for Good Samaritan Society Bethany and Kingwood. He retired in 1987. He kept himself busy with his yard, flowers, grandkids and body building. He was a strong man. July 1, 2011, he rode his bike 11 miles, pressed 125# over his head and played a wild game of basketball with his grandkids. The next day he suffered a major stroke which led to vascular dementia and a whole new life for him and his family. He was a friendly, loving, totally loyal man. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Moses, James, Raymond, John; sisters, Mable, Bernice, Jeanette, Helen “Rig”. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Mary Jean (Alan) Austin, Larry Michael “Mike” Christenson and Ronald Mark (Agnes) Christenson; 17 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was a faithful, loving husband, an amazing dad and a class act grandpa. He loved life, people and most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior and was quick to speak a word on His behalf. While today he is sadly missed, we are rejoicing with him as he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior. No more dementia, achy bones or old tired body! A funeral service will be held at 1PM on Monday, October 12 at Community Church of Nazarene in Merrifield. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Central Mn Adult & Teen Challenge Arrangements are with the Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd.