Raymond Christensen

Raymond L. Christensen, age 90, of Willmar, died Sunday morning, March 2, at the Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Willmar. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Military honors will be provided by the Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post 167 of Willmar. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Raymond Louis Christensen was born November 9, 1917, in Greenville, Michigan, the son of Martin and Marie (Hendrickson) Christensen. He grew up in Minneapolis and attended West High School in Hopkins. On September 4, 1937, he married Mable Cory at the English Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. They lived in St. Louis Park until 1949 when they moved to Willmar. Raymond served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked for American Linen Supply Company for 33 years. Following his retirement, he worked for Highway Furniture for 10 years. He was a member of Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Fraternal Order of Eagles, the V.F.W. and a 58 year member of the American Legion. He was also a very active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Raymond was an avid tennis player, fisherman, wood carver and gardener. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Mable of Willmar; five children: Raymond, Jr. (and Janice) Christensen of Beaumont, Texas, Michael (and Jane) Christensen of San Marcos, California, George (and Colleen) Christensen of Willmar, Barbara Boike (and special friend, Alan Stockland) of Willmar, and Mark (and Diane) Christensen of St. Peter. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Lorraine Christensen; a brother, Arthur Christensen and a sister, Helen Bowman.