Obit for CHRISTIANS, Merle (b.1933 d.2005), Murray Co., MN
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Merle Christians was born on July 9, 1933, on a farm near Little Rock, 
Iowa to John and Susie Martens Christians. He grew up in the Rushmore 
area and attended country school. Merle was drafted in 1954 to the United 
States Army and served in the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge in 
1955, Merle moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where he worked for Needham 
Packing Plant as a Refrigeration Engineer. On June 1, 1956, he and 
LaDonne Mulder were married in Adrian, Minnesota. Following their 
marriage they made their home in Sioux City and Merle continued working 
for Needham Packing Plant. In 1971, they moved to a farm north of Lake 
Wilson, Minnesota and farmed until their retirement in 1995. Merle passed 
away at his farm home in rural Lake Wilson on April 20, 2005, at the age 
of 71. Merle attended Skandia Free Church in rural Balaton. Merle enjoyed 
spending time with his family, grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, 
fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. 

Survivors include his wife LaDonne Christians, Lake Wilson; three 
children and their spouses: Kevin and Kathy Christians, Chanhassen, MN; 
Kimberly Christians, Lynd, MN; and Kendall and Bonnie Christians, 
Chandler, MN; four grandchildren: Lisa and Tom Marcellus; Laura and Mike 
Kennen, Travis Christians, and Jessica Christians; two great-
grandchildren: Katia Marcellas and Gavin Kennen; four sisters: Evelyn 
Rachey, Worthington, MN; Gladys Dicus and her husband Ardell, Sioux City, 
IA; Pearl Jacobsma, Sibley, IA; and Johnelda Olson and her husband Ron, 
Henning, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Perce 
Christians, and sister, Tillie VanderWilt. 

Funeral Services were held at Skandia Free Church, rural Balaton, MN on 
Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. with Ken Culbertson officiating. 
The pianist was Frances Harms. Special music was by Steve Harms. The 
pallbearers were Chuck Olson, Jim VanderWilt, Merlin Christians, Jeff 
Mulder, Bruce Mulder, and David Rust. Honorary pallbearers were Lawrence 
Kjorness, Howard Easton, Del Kuhl, Vernon Anderson, Arlyn Bentsen and Don 
Anderson. Interment is in Sunset Rest Cemetery rural Rushmore, MN.