Ellen J. Christensen

Ellen Janice Christensen, age 89, of Alta, Iowa passed away December 25, 2017 at Sunset Knoll in Aurelia. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Ellen Janice Harson was born November 17, 1928 in Rowan, Iowa the daughter of Harry and Carol (Hoke) Harson. On January 6, 1953, Ellen was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Growing up, she attended and graduated from Emmetsburg High School. On November 17, 1948, Ellen was united in marriage to Clifford Christensen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. They were blessed with four children: Mary, Jeanine, Gary and Sharon. In 1959, Clifford and Ellen moved north of Alta where they farmed and raised their children. Family was very important to Ellen, and she treasured being able to help on the farm and in the field, raise her children, and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking and worked tirelessly in the kitchen to host many family gatherings. Ellen’s beautiful sewing and embroidery will be cherished by all. She spent her spare time making quilts, dolls, and other special projects for loved ones. Clifford and Ellen also looked forward to afternoons playing cards and board games especially when their grandchildren joined them. Her loving and caring heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Mary (Ordell) Weiland of Alta, Iowa; Gary Christensen of Sutherland, Iowa; Sharon “Sue” (Larry) Grieme of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Jody Childs; Cory (Mindy) Weiland; Tammy (Philip) Kempadoo; Ashley Christensen (Travis Miller); Whitney Christensen; Dane (Crystal) Christensen; Sara Grieme; Laura (Nate) Sanders; Johanna (Doug) Hicks; great grandchildren: Mason Childs; Cade, Carter and Makenly Weiland; Cara Kempadoo; Cale Christensen; Caroline and Christopher Sanders; Orion Hicks; brother, Donald (Virginia) Harson of Hartley, Iowa; sisters: Lowene Heaverlo of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Carol Douglas of Spencer, Iowa; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and friends. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Carol Harson; husband, Clifford Christensen; daughter, Jeanine Marie Christensen; brothers: Robert Harson and Harold Harson; sisters: Berneta Dunham; Marion Morgan; Nancy Glackin; brothers-in-law: Lyle Douglas; Cecil Morgan; Vernon Dunham; James Heaverlo; and Alvin Glackin; grandson, Conner Cory Weiland; and granddaughter, Piper Ellen Kempadoo.

Ellen J. Christensen

November 17, 1928 - December 25, 2017