Robert Alfred Christenson, 79, Rochester

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Robert Alfred Christenson, age 79, of 825 Essex Parkway N.W., No. 128, Rochester, died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester.

He was born on June 29,1923, in Ramsey County.

He married Mary Thompson on Dec. 26, 1976, in Northwood, Iowa.

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His first marriage was to Betty Jo Nelson who preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters: Cathy (Richard) Ahern of North Mankato, and Dawn (Don) Johnson of Wabasha; four sons: Robert (Deb) Christenson Jr. of Marshalltown, Iowa, Don (Dawn) Christenson of North Mankato, Ande-Jo (Adriana) Christenson of North Mankato, and Jeff Christenson of Alaska; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bette Jo; son, Timothy; and granddaughter, Jamie Lynn.

He was raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School. He was in World War II from 1941 to 1943 in the U.S. Marines. He owned Christenson Studio and later Viking Photography in Albert Lea. He moved to Rochester 18 years ago.

He was a photographer, member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and active in SCORE, American Legion, Lions and several other clubs.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The Rev. Steven Ronningen will officiate. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea American Legion. Friends may call today, May 20, from 5-7 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.