Chris M. Laursen

Chris M. Laursen, 95, of Newell, Iowa, died Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society, Newell, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery with full military rites. Visitation will take place Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 9-11:00 a.m. at the Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements. Christian (Chris) Marion Laursen, was born in Battle Creek, Iowa, on September 6, 1921, the first son of Ellen (Henricksen) and Karl Christian Laursen. He was later baptized into his Christian faith. He grew up and received his education in Battle Creek, graduating from Battle Creek High School. Chris served in the United States Air Corps as a gunner during World War II. On February 26, 1947, he was married in the Ida Grove Church of God to Harriette Claire Shirk. They were blessed with four children, Sharen, Cynthia, Susan and Lynn. Chris was an active member of Nain Lutheran Church. They farmed in Battle Creek and Ida Grove for several years before moving to Newell, Iowa, in 1960. Chris was employed throughout the years by Sievers Implement, the City of Newell, Holmstrom Electric, Buena Vista County Weed Commission, and Newell School district as a bus driver. He served several years on Newell’s library board and was a dedicated follower of the Newell-Fonda Mustangs. Chris was a wood carver, artist, photographer, avid reader, fisherman, rock hound and all-around handyman. He enjoyed the challenge of fixing and repurposing “things”. Chris also enjoyed gardening and especially the competition with Harriette for best flowers and vegetables. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was generous with his talents and kindness. All who knew and loved him, came to understand his humor, especially his favorite quote, “You can always tell a Dane, but you can’t tell him much!” He is survived by three children Cynthia (Doug) Bruner of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; Susan (John) Anderson of Yankton, South Dakota; Lynn (Tami) Laursen of Lakeside, Iowa; son-in-law, Arlin Brower of Saratoga, Wyoming; nine grandchildren: Jerod Bruner of Nashville, Tennessee; Jaime (Al) Archuleta of Brighton, Colorado; Rhett (Autumn) Bruner of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; J. Wesley Anderson of Yankton, South Dakota; Wade Brower of Scottsdale, Arizona; Tyler Anderson (fiancé Allysa Freidel) of Omaha, Nebraska; Garrett Bruner of Nashville, Tennessee; Katelyn Laursen of Grimes, Iowa; Blake Laursen of Overland Park, Kansas; two great granddaughters, Linden and Mila Bruner of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee; one great grandson, Jase Archuleta of Brighton, Colorado; sisters-in-law Leona Laursen of Battle Creek, Iowa, and Virginia Wellendorf of Ida Grove, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Chris was preceded in death by Harriette, his wife of 68 years; his parents Chris and Ellen Laursen; daughter, Sharen Brower; brother, Earl (Bob) Laursen; sister-in-law Betty (Ray) Raasch; brothers-in-law, Darrel Wellendorf and Jim (Ardith) Shirk.

Chris M. Laursen

September 6, 1921 - September 24, 2016