Norman "Butch" Christensen

Norman "Butch" Christensen, 98, of Willmar, passed away Friday, April 4 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, surrounded by his family. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 12 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a prayer service starting at 4:30 pm. His visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar. Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society or Bethesda Hospice. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home. www.hafh.org
Norman "Butch" Peter Christensen was born on January 22, 1927, in Lac qui Parle County to Julius and Esther (Jepsen) Christensen. He was baptized in 1927 and confirmed in 1940 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa. Butch attended Ortonville High School, after which he began his career as a farmer.
On March 25, 1955, Butch married Florence Redepenning at Trinity Lutheran Church in Odessa, MN. Together, they had five children and lived on two different farms near Odessa. Butch farmed for 40 years and also worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 22 years. He had a passion for farming, and it was always an important part of his life. They retired in 2002 when they moved to Willmar.
Throughout their marriage, Butch and Florence were fortunate to travel with family throughout the United States, including to the Hawaiian Islands. They also visited Denmark, Sweden, and Germany and spent many winters in Florida.
Butch was a current member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar. He served as an elder, on the church council, and as a Sunday school teacher at Odessa Trinity Lutheran Church. He was also involved in the Odessa Rod and Gun Club and served as a 4-H Leader for over 30 years. Butch enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, traveling, watching Wheel of Fortune, eating a good dessert, giving children rides in his train, and a good conversation. He was a friend to everyone and always enjoyed visiting and sharing stories. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and sharing his faith.
Butch and his family are grateful for his many good friends and the wonderful staff at Bethesda, especially thankful for the compassionate care of Bethesda Hospice and chaplains.
Butch is survived by his children: Sandra (Danny Grossnickle) Renner of Monticello, Michael Christensen of Willmar, Susan Christensen of Willmar, Connie (Gus) Butorac of Bloomington, IL, and Terri (Keith) Poirier of Lowell, MA; nine grandchildren: James (Jenny) Olson, Stephanie Olson, Erica (Kim) Hedrick, Lindsey (Christian) Wissler, Kara (Brian) Campbell, Austin (fiancée, Megan) Butorac, Alex, Tyler (Jillian) Poirier, and Lauren Poirier; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Violet Roberts.
Butch was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; his parents, Julius and Esther; and his siblings: Julia Adams, Paul Christensen, Helga Zahrbock, Hans Christensen, Marvin Christensen, Ella Smith, Harold Christensen, and Virginia Nieno.
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