Merle Christensen (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Merle O Christensen died in his home on March 16, 2015 in Bolivar, MO due to complications following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 86.
Mr. Christensen was born on September 9, 1928 in Council Bluffs, IA to his parents, Martinus and Josephine Christensen. He joined the Navy on August 20, 1950. He rose to the rank of third class petty officer in the Korean War. Merle married Dee on September 16, 1951. He worked for the U.S Department of Agriculture, as a Federal Meat Inspector for thirty-three years until his retirement in 1985. Following retirement, Merle worked with Dee in their custom decorating business until it closed in 1992. They remained in Nebraska until 2004 when they moved to Bolivar, Mo.
Mr. Christensen was active in several community service organizations including President and founder of the Newman Grove Lions Club, Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge and Patron in the Eastern Star. Merle valued education and was in the top five of his class in Ohio State's Pathology Course. He learned to fly and enjoyed flying in his Piper Colt airplane. Merle was a skilled carpenter and built numerous buildings and pieces of furniture. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Mr. Christensen is survived by his wife, Alta Dee, children; Doug Christensen, Pharm.D and wife Kim of Ozark, MO, David Christensen, DVM and wife Sharon of Central City, NE, and Denise Dias and husband Scott of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by one brother and two sisters and six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
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