Service Information
Arlene J. Christensen, age 78, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at 2:30 P.M., at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel, Minnesota, with interment following in the spring time.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2020, from 12:30 – 2:30 P.M., (two hours prior) ALL AT CHURCH.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
If unable to attend Arlene's funeral and would like to send a card, please send to Anita McCarthy: 13470 621st Ave. Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Obituary
Arlene Joyce Christensen was born on May 25, 1942, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Edward and Berndina (Runke) Miller. Arlene was baptized as an infant on June 19, 1942, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth on May 20, 1956, by Pastor Kirsch, both at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. She received her education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1960. Arlene furthered her education for two more years at the Willmar Vocational Institute in Willmar, Minnesota, receiving an accounting degree.
On May 5, 1962, Arlene was united in marriage to Nathan Christensen at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with seven children, Neal, Leon, Verne, Kristine, Anita, Baby Girl, and Corrine. Arlene and Nathan resided on a farm North of Hutchinson before moving to Dassel in 1969. They shared 31 years of marriage until Nathan passed away on April 22, 1994.
Arlene was employed at the Prairie House in Dassel as a cook for nine years. She was then employed as a secretary for the cable company in Hutchinson and then at Mykkanen Homes in Cokato, Minnesota, until she retired in 2004. Arlene took great pride in her secretary work. After retirement, she did part time daycare for grandchildren and others. Arlene was an active member of Lamson Evangelical Free Church in Dassel where she began a relationship with Jesus and later baptized as an adult at Long Lake in Dassel.
Arlene enjoyed sewing, cross stitching, and gardening. She also loved to sing, play her records, and had a collection of bells in which her grandchildren were not allowed to play with. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.
When Arlene needed assistance with her care, she became a resident at Dassel Lakeside Assistant Living in May of 2009. In April of 2019, she moved to Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. She passed away at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at the age of 78 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Arlene is survived by her:
Children, Neal Christensen and his wife, Sara, of Darwin, MN,
Leon Christensen and his special friend, Brenda Jackson, of Darwin, MN,
Kristine Benson and her special friend, Scott Prescott, of Dassel, MN,
Anita McCarthy and her husband, James, of Hutchinson, MN,
Corrine Grotto and her husband, Mike, of Dassel, MN;
Grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, Amie Christensen, Tyler Christensen, Britny Nelson and her husband, James, Nichole Christensen, Kelsey Christensen, Kayla Benson, Chloe Benson, Devon McCarthy, Dawson McCarthy, Kaylee Greiner, Sydney Greiner, Cambria Greiner, Hunter Grotto, Natalie Grotto, and Isaac Grotto;
Great Grandchildren, Charlette Kargas and Aubrey Greiner;
Sister, Gelyla Milbrandt of Stewart, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Shirley Miller of Hutchinson, MN,
Ardys Euerle of Dassel, MN,
Linda Christensen of North Carolina,
Kathy Hantge and her husband, Everett, of Hutchinson, MN;
Brother-In-Law, Kenny Christensen and his wife, Pam, of Paynesville, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Arlene is preceded in death by her Parents, Edward and Berndina Miller; Father and Mother-In-Law, Alvin and Viola Christensen; Husband, Nathan Christensen; Children, Verne Christensen and Baby Girl Christensen; Siblings, Maxine Otto and her husband, Art, and Merlyn Miller; Brothers-In-Law, Richard Milbrandt, Norman Christensen, Vernon Christensen, and Burt Euerle; and many other close relatives and friends.
RuthAnn Gjermundson Lade says
The HHS CLASS OF 60 sending sympathy to the loved ones of Arlene. She will be honored at our next reunion. Blessings to all.
Sheldon Hedin says
Arlene and I always had great times at Lakeside, especially coffee every morning in the dining room of the apartments. We had wonderful times. Too many to share here. Blessings to you all that grieve.
Kathy Nyquist Swanson says
This is a beautiful picture of your Mom. You Mother was a very strong, loving and beautiful lady who raised her family well through some challenges and difficult times, but with her smile and laughter, a good sense of humor and her faith in God. I rmemember serving many meals and DVBS treats out of the old Lamson church basement with her as well as sewing at White Cross meetings. She was a faithful member of Lamson and brought you to Sunday School and church, confirmation, DVBS, and Youth Group, leading by her Christian example. We enjoyed the many times she sang duets with Vergie McGowan and Ardys Euerle at church. She also taught you a good work ethic which was a blessing to my family in many ways.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother for this time on earth, but you will be together again, forever, in glory.
Valorie Cleare says
Arlene was a lot of fun and a very caring person. She made an impression on my life and she will always be lovingly remembered.
Steve and Verlyce (Runke) French says
Sympathy to Arlene’s family. It has been awhile since we had seen each other. Years ago the relation would get
together for birthdays, bridal showers and etc. Arlene’s grandfather, Fred Runke and my father, Frank Runke were
brothers. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.