Kenneth W. Christensen

Kenneth W. K.W. Christensen, 98 of Moorhead, formerly Barnesville, Minnesota died Monday, August 10, 2009 in Golden Living Center, Moorhead. Kenneth, son of Peter and Camilla (Henningsen) Christensen, was born February 21, 1911 on his family farm near Barnesville. He attended Country School Dist # 63 and grew to manhood in the Barnesville area. Kenneth began his long farming career with money he won from a 4"H trip to the Minnesota State Fair when he was 18. He remembered farming with horses as late as 1931. He married Helen McEvers on June 3, 1939 in the Baker Presbyterian Church, Baker, Minnesota. The couple made their home and farmed west of Barnesville. K.W. grew wheat, oats, barley, grain, sunflowers, beans and in 1941, potatoes. For a number of years he farmed with his father, Peter and his father-in-law, George McEvers. He also sold seed corn for DeKalbs. In 1972, K.W., Wesley, Etta Mae and Helen became Potato Brokers. In 1976 they moved into Barnesville. In 1975 K.W. and Wesley began farming as Christensen farm. Helen died in 2000. K.W. continued to live in Barnesville until 2007 when he became a resident of Golden Living Center in Moorhead. He lived there until the time of his death. K.W. was a member of St. James United Church of Christ, Barnesville and served as an usher. He was a proud member of the Red River Valley Potato Growers and the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. In 2004 Christensen Potato " K.W., Wes and Etta Mae were Grand Marshals of Potato Days. He was also a member of the Barnesville Rod and Gun Club, the Dale Carnegie Course and Toastmasters. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and taking trips. In 1954 they built their lake cottage on Lake Lizzie where he loved to spend time. Many huge 4th of July celebrations took place at that cottage. K.W. was very good to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he loved them very much. He is survived by his two sons, Wesley (Etta Mae) Christensen of Barnesville, and Marshall (Janice) Christensen also of Barnesville; two daughters, Helene (Roger) Balgaard of Dilworth, and Bonnie (Wayne) Tucker of Barnesville; seven grandchildren, Barbara Balgaard of Rochester, Minnesota, DuWayne Balgaard also of Rochester, Traci (Ben) Lofgren of Hawley, Minnesota, Amanda Christensen of Barnesville, Deanna Nelson of Fargo, Darrin (Ashley) Tucker of Baker, and LaRae (Shane) Gott of Barnesville; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler Nelson of Barnesville, Trevor Nelson of Baker, Christopher Lofgren of Hawley, Elijah Gott, Bryce Krueger and Justin Krueger all of Barnesville. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen; three sons, Harold, Lester and Frank; two brothers, Frank and Orris; and three sisters, Edith Kear, Cora Christensen and Mabel Christensen. Visitation: Today from 4:00 " 8:00 with a Prayer service at 7:00 in Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville and two hours before the funeral at the church. Funeral service: Friday at 1:00 in St. James United Church of Christ, Barnesville. Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, rural Sabin, Minnesota. online guest book at www.dobmeierfuneralhome.com