Carl Stanley Christiansen, 88, of Clarkfield, died on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at his residence.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 31 at Clarkfield Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, officiated by Pastor David Christensen. Military rites were by Cottonwood American Legion Post No. 503. Interment was at Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County.
Carl Stanley Christensen was born October 11, 1921 in Swede Prairie Township of Yellow Medicine Co., to Carl and Nina (Gunlogson) Christensen. He is the brother of John (Susan), also of Clarkfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leroy and Allan and sister Jane. He is survived by his brother John (Susan) and sister-in-law Joyce; his nieces and nephews Paul Christensen of Clarkfield, Karen Menbreno of Marshall, Lisa (Martin) Graefe of Bemidji, Heidi (Jeffrey) Haines of Golden Valley, David (Julie) Christensen of Marshall; his aunt Alice Gunlogson of Minneapolis; and his cousins and friends.
Stanley loved life on the Minnesota prairie and proudly farmed the land. He attended a one-room country school through 8th grade achieving perfect attendance one year and skipping two grades. He graduated from Clarkfield High School and headed off to the Twin Cities. There he attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Animal Husbandry.
After finishing at the University, Stanley went into the Armed Services. He served during World War II as a Celestial Navigator with the Army Air Corps. He flew over 50 missions in the European theater. His unit was very distinguished and was chosen for missions to drop supplies and personnel behind enemy lines. These dangerous carpetbagger missions required flying under enemy radar. Stan was proud to serve his country and honored to attend a reunion of his unit in later years. He was also a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.
Stanley farmed most of his life near Hanley Falls, on the Yellow Medicine River. His farm always included cattle. He enjoyed the rhythm of rural life, especially telling stories and drinking coffee with friends. He was blessed with many good years on the land.
Until it closed, Stanley was a member of Spring Creek Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served as an usher, board member and cemetery caretaker for the congregation. He was a humble man with a steady faith. God has been gracious, and we trust in that grace as we remember Stanley, our brother, uncle and friend.
Arrangements were with the Lynner Funeral Home of Clarkfield.
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Carl Stanley Christiansen, 88, of Clarkfield, died on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at his residence.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 31 at Clarkfield Lutheran Church in Clarkfield, officiated by Pastor David Christensen. Military rites were by Cottonwood American Legion Post No. 503. Interment was at Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Normania Township, Yellow Medicine County.
Carl Stanley Christensen was born October 11, 1921 in Swede Prairie Township of Yellow Medicine Co., to Carl and Nina (Gunlogson) Christensen. He is the brother of John (Susan), also of Clarkfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leroy and Allan and sister Jane. He is survived by his brother John (Susan) and sister-in-law Joyce; his nieces and nephews Paul Christensen of Clarkfield, Karen Menbreno of Marshall, Lisa (Martin) Graefe of Bemidji, Heidi (Jeffrey) Haines of Golden Valley, David (Julie) Christensen of Marshall; his aunt Alice Gunlogson of Minneapolis; and his cousins and friends.
Stanley loved life on the Minnesota prairie and proudly farmed the land. He attended a one-room country school through 8th grade achieving perfect attendance one year and skipping two grades. He graduated from Clarkfield High School and headed off to the Twin Cities. There he attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Animal Husbandry.
After finishing at the University, Stanley went into the Armed Services. He served during World War II as a Celestial Navigator with the Army Air Corps. He flew over 50 missions in the European theater. His unit was very distinguished and was chosen for missions to drop supplies and personnel behind enemy lines. These dangerous carpetbagger missions required flying under enemy radar. Stan was proud to serve his country and honored to attend a reunion of his unit in later years. He was also a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.
Stanley farmed most of his life near Hanley Falls, on the Yellow Medicine River. His farm always included cattle. He enjoyed the rhythm of rural life, especially telling stories and drinking coffee with friends. He was blessed with many good years on the land.
Until it closed, Stanley was a member of Spring Creek Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served as an usher, board member and cemetery caretaker for the congregation. He was a humble man with a steady faith. God has been gracious, and we trust in that grace as we remember Stanley, our brother, uncle and friend.
Arrangements were with the Lynner Funeral Home of Clarkfield.
