Niel Christensen

Niel Frederick Christensen, Sr., age 90, of Houston, MN, went to his eternal home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Valley View Healthcare in Houston. He was surrounded by Janelle and their family.

Niel was born October 20,1933, in Harlan, IA, the son of Arthur and Anna (Nielsen) Christensen. He grew up in Jacksonville, IA. He met the love of his life, Janelle Rose Curtis, when he saw her from the bus window, and knew immediately he would marry her, which he did on June 9,1953. The couple celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2023. Niel graduated from Audubon High School and went on to attend Dana College to be a pastor. He left college when he was drafted into the United States Army and honorably served two years in Korea as a military policeman and was a member of a precision drill team. After his service, he and Janelle returned to Jacksonville to the family farm. Farming took Niel and his family from Jacksonville to Guthrie Center, IA, and ultimately to Houston, MN. 

Niel loved to tell a good story and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He enjoyed singing solos and duets with Janelle. He planted trees and built slab fences everywhere he lived. He was a tractor puller, driving the blue Ford tractor straight out of the field to the track at area events. His true joys were Janelle, his big family, farming, and a Twin Bing candy bar. He always cheered for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. He was a life-long learner who loved to read, a trait he inherited from his father.  Niel had a work ethic like none other which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife, Janelle, and their 130+ descendants including his 13 children: Debbie (Jack) Coffman, Cynthie Christensen, Kent (Eileen), Tony (Becky), Alan (Karen), Cokie (Chris) Nelson, Joni (Bryan) Mehus, Wendi (David) Kuehner, Gwen (Tim) Nelson, Niel (Julie), Nathan (Laura), Lynda (Jay) McNamer, and Stephanie (Jesse) McNamer; his grandchildren:  Bryan (Joni), Aaron, Kerri (Josh), Kristin (Clark), Jace, Marie (Fred), Nina (Kerry), Sandi, Erin (Matt), Hali (Cale), Lucas  (Jessica), April (Brent), Shawn (Grace), Raychel (Pete), Maria (Kirby), Karalee, Cade, Chas, Chance (Abbi), Ryan (Kayla), Richell (Rocky), Randi (Justin), Christian, Saerina (Greg), Benjamin, Elizabeth, Alaina, Craig (Rachel), Melinda, Nicole (Brad), K-LaRae, Logan, Kyle, Jaden, Cody (Natalie), Gage (Matia), Brynn (Scott), Tony, Bailey (Ellen), Dustin (Mackenzie), Sierra (Phil), and Jordan (Ashley); In addition, he has 41 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Ronnie (Barb), Gary (Janice), Randy (Elizabeth), and sister-in-law Peggy Christensen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandsons, Adam and Clynton Christensen, and sister and brother-in-law, Judi and Roger Alexander, and brother, Lynn, sister-in-law Marjorie Howell, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Louree Petersen.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 3, at 11 am at Cross of Christ Church in Houston, MN where Niel was a member. Visitation will be Friday, August 2nd, from 4-7pm at Cross of Christ and for one hour prior to the service. To honor his love of Oak Ridge, interment will be at the Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to be used to plant trees in Niel’s memory. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs of Valley View Nursing Home and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful love and care Niel received. Hoff Funeral Home (www.hofffuneral.com) of Houston is assisting the family with arrangements.