Obituary of Vernon A. Christensen

Vernon Amel Rod Christensen, age 95, of Stanchfield, MN, went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2016. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was born on June 25, 1920 in Spencer Brook Township, MN to Waldemar and Anna (Rod) Christensen. He grew up in the Wyanett, MN area. On November 30, 1946 he was united in marriage to Virginia Mae Olson of Maple Ridge. They built a house in Maple Ridge where they raised four children—Paul, Joy, Joyce “Christie,” Elaine, and several foster children. Vernon was very entrepreneurial and had many businesses over his lifetime. He started as a farmer; then owner of Bethany Nursing Home in Braham; owner of the Arlington Hotel & Restaurant in Cambridge; and building contractor of homes, businesses, and numerous churches across the state. He built and sold cabins and lake lots on Knife Lake near Mora. He was known for being a builder of quality construction and for being a man of his word. Vernon was a leader in the community and in his church at Stanchfield Baptist Church. He was chosen as Isanti County’s Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year in 1999. An article in the Cambridge Star described Vernon as “Synonymous with honesty, generosity, and friendliness. A pillar of solid Christian ethics and understanding. Commanded respect and admiration. Above all, a very humble man.” He was known by all for his gift of humor and storytelling. He had a joke to fit into any conversation – with family, friends or strangers. After retirement, he and Virginia enjoyed traveling to many countries, entertaining friends and family in their home, and developed strong friendships through Christian Campers of MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert, LeRoy and Reuben, sister Margaret Forslin, daughter Elaine Johnson, and foster son Al Newland. Vernon is survived by Virginia, his wife of 69 years, son Paul (Therese) Christensen, daughters Joy (Keith) Kuby, Joyce “Christie” (Bill) Kowalski, foster daughter Theresa (Jerry) Anderson, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, brother George (Juanita) Christensen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He will be dearly missed.