Martha A. Christensen

Martha Anna (Rink) Vang Christensen, age 94, of Storm Lake, Iowa passed away at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, September 5, 2015 surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held Monday, September 14, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Wadena Cemetery in Wadena, Minnesota. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Born on October 1, 1920, Martha was the second of five children born to Herman and Anna (Schlueter) Rink in Pender, Nebraska. Martha grew up on the family farm, eventually earning her teaching degree from Wayne State Teacher’s College, located near her home. On June 1, 1943, Martha married LeRoy Vang. They farmed near Wolbach, Nebraska, where they started their family that would grow to include five daughters. The couple shared an appreciation of nature and delighted their children with various family adventures. In 1948, Martha and LeRoy established a family farm in Hollandale, Minnesota. In 1958, they moved to Walker, MN after purchasing Bayside Resort on Leech Lake in Walker, MN. After three years, they moved to Morris, MN where they owned the Chokio Locker Plant and Martha taught school in nearby Hancock. In 1965, Martha and LeRoy moved their family to Wadena, Minnesota and on March 4, 1970, LeRoy passed away. Martha returned to college to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at Bemidji State College in 1971. During the 70’s, Martha taught at the elementary school in Verndale, not far from Wadena. Her outstanding work as a teacher resulted in receiving the Minnesota Teacher of Excellence award in 1978. Martha was particularly proud of her “Twenty-five Consecutive Years” award from KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly), one of many organizations where she enjoyed mutual support and friendships. After retiring in 1980, Martha began spending winters in the desert and canyon surrounds of Sedona, Arizona. Spring and summer months were back in Wadena, Minnesota to garden and write her weekly column, “In the Garden,” for Wadena Pioneer Press. Martha’s sister, Helen Christensen, died February 5, 1988. Martha understood the grief and loss felt by Helen’s widower, Clayton Christensen. Their friendship blossomed into a loving relationship which enriched both of their lives from the day of their marriage, February 11, 1989 in Storm Lake, Iowa. Clayton and Martha shared interests in gardening, traveling, bird watching, playing cards, as well as pursuing individual artistic endeavors. Throughout their 26 years of marriage, they generously shared their home, entertaining family and friends, foreign exchange students, Rotary exchange students, card clubs. Martha’s oil paintings, china and porcelain painting, jewelry, garden produce and homemade soups and bread are a few of the special gifts she shared, but the gift of her encouraging and uplifting spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. Martha was preceded in death by her first husband, LeRoy Vang; daughter, Judith Vang; parents, Herman and Anna (Schlueter) Rink; sisters, Edna Mass, Helen Christensen; brother, Richard Rink; and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Mass and Lloyd Sage. Martha is survived by her husband Clayton; daughters: Linda and husband, Keith Roles of Alexandria, MN; Marion and husband Gary Graham of Hutchinson, MN; Norma Vang of St. Paul, MN; and Brenda Vang and husband James Fittz of Denver, CO. In addition, She is survived by Clayton’s daughters: Barbara and husband, Jim Jorgensen of Storm Lake, IA; Dr. Carole Christensen and husband, Dan Peters of Grand Junction, CO; and Diane and husband, Don Bezdicek of Hastings, MN. Martha is also survived by siblings: Esther (Lloyd) Sage of Ogden UT, and Harold (Marilyn) Rink of Pender, NE as well as sister-in-law, Phyllis Rink, and grandchildren: Lisa (Brian) Tonn, Kristi (Joe) Blee, Heather (Rob) Weinmann, Troy (Melanie) Graham, Michael (Tessa) Graham, Christoffer (Sonja) Graham, Ryan (Katie) Bicek, Kevin (Laura) Fittz, Tyler (Tanya) Fittz, Jeff (Jordan) Jorgensen, Chris (Stephanie) Jorgensen, Jessica (Kevin) Denton, Adam Bezdicek, Ryan (Erin) Bezdicek, and Kelly Christensen. Twenty great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild also survive Martha. Martha, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother: you leave your loved ones with countless blessings and fun-loving memories. We are all better people because of you. We love you and will miss you dearly! Memorials may be directed to Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester, Minnesota, 411 Second Street NW, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

Martha A. Christensen

October 1, 1920 - September 5, 2015