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BORN

1949

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Hamilton's Funeral Home

3601 Westown Parkway

West Des Moines, Iowa

Linda Christensen Obituary

Linda Jean Christensen

Des Moines - Linda Christensen, 69, passed away at her home on July 31, 2018 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held Friday, August 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Rd. in Johnston, IA and the funeral service on Saturday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 600 6th Ave. in Des Moines, IA.

Linda was born January 23, 1949 in Boston, MA, to Donald Wayne Murray and Rita Mary Murray, nee Duffy. She attended Ralston High School, Midland Lutheran College, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Iowa State University and Drake University. In high school and college she was noted for her beautiful soprano voice which she continued to use in the St. John's Cathedral Choir, Des Moines Choral Society, and Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Linda did not consider herself a good student, but she was a phenomenal teacher. Her connection with children was immediate, and their trust in her instinctive. A true beauty, her appearance was not what struck people about her. It was her warmth, compassion, genuine care and nurture, and her passion and gentle insistence on justice for all God's people. It would only take moments for anyone Linda met to realize they were in the presence of an extraordinary individual.

Linda was a life-long learner and had an insatiable desire to learn as much as she could about God, religion, and spirituality. She was constantly searching and asking others about the Way of Jesus Christ and the love of God, though her own deep and heart-felt knowledge was obvious to all.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Alvin Christensen; son, Erik Charles Christensen and his husband, Kerry DeVaughn Jenkins; daughter, Tara Luktarn Christensen and her fiancée, Christopher Carmichael; sister, Judith "Judi" Lee Novotny, nee Murray; brothers, Donald "Don" Wayne Murray II, and Richard "Rick" Alan Murray.

Memorials may be directed to The After School Arts Program (ASAP) or Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM).

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Aug. 2, 2018.
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I just recently learned of Linda's passing. I remember a very young Linda at St. John's Lutheran Church when I was in the Hi high school choir in the 70s. Larry was our director. Linda was always so kind and helpful. I also remember that beautiful voice. Deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family.

Karen Haskins-Brewer

November 2, 2018

I am very sorry for your loss.

August 7, 2018

To light the way to heaven for a very special lady in our lives. May God bless you.

Bob and Lu Saf

August 5, 2018

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Bob @ Lu Saf

August 5, 2018

I am so glad that I was able to meet your mother when she and your dad visited LSTC, Pr. Erik. I just know her love and legacy will live in your hearts always.

Patti DeBias

August 3, 2018

We were so lucky to meet "Mrs C" when she started teaching Kindermusik in 1997. All 3 of my children participated in the classes, but Danny really loved every class, continued on into Iowa Youth Chorus then studied Vocal Music at ISU! Mrs C welcomed every child with such love. She was so reassuring of each child's learning style. Mrs C was truly a blessing in our lives. Thinking of you with love.

Christine & Brendan Comito

August 3, 2018

ur the most beuatiful woman u rest in peace sry i cant be there i hold my memories in my heart i will always think about u we all know ur with jesus

linda odom

Friend

August 3, 2018

What a special person Linda was! A role model for all of us as well as a steadfast and compassionate friend. We are allLucky to have known her! Love and support to you all from Tim and Carolyn Hinchliff

Carolyn and Tim Hinchliff

August 3, 2018

I am so deeply saddened to hear that Linda has left this Earth. She was a truly lovely human being whose warm glow was obvious to anyone who knew her. I have always been inspired by how she carries herself through this world, showing genuine care for everyone she met. I will be thinking of you and your family, Larry, as you navigate the terrain of life without her. May you find peace in her beautiful memory. Sending all of our love. Yours truly, Sarah

Sarah Hinchliff Pearson

August 3, 2018

Linda was indeed a truly extraordinary person, beautiful inside and out. What a privilege it was to know her and sing with her in the St.John's choir for a time. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Alison Lemke

August 2, 2018

I will miss my dear friend.
She is the closest person I've come to know that is most like an angel...pure, and single-heartedly in search of the holy. May she have come 'Home."

Lou Ann Burkle

August 2, 2018

Ann Haller

August 2, 2018

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Memorial Events
for Linda Christensen

Aug

3

Visitation

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church

5665 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston, IA

Aug

4

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St. John's Lutheran Church

600 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA

Funeral services provided by:

Hamilton's Funeral Home

3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

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