A celebration of life for John Paul Christensen, 38, of Ellendale, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Central Freeborn Lutheran Church, rural Albert Lea. The Rev. Matt Griggs will officiate. Interment will be in North Freeborn Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Ellendale, and one hour before the service at the church.

On Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, John went home to be with his heavenly father.

He was born on May 17, 1974, in Owatonna, the son of John Christensen and Lynn Njos. Strong in faith, John had been baptized and then later confirmed at North Freeborn Lutheran Church.

He graduated from Ellendale High School with the class of 1993, he continued on to obtain his degree from Riverland Technical College in Austin.

He married Erin Thorson on Dec. 28, 2005, in Kauai, Hawaii.

John was a hard and dedicated worker in the construction business. He was all about surrounding himself with people and socializing. John was a very loyal friend.

His son, Caden, was the center of his life. Their love went beyond father and son, they were best friends and playmates. They share the same infectious smile and mischievous twinkle in their eyes. Together, John and Caden enjoyed searching for adventure on the farm, catching minnows and laughing with friends.

He will be missed by his son Caden and Caden’s mom Erin, his brothers Brent (Valerie) Christensen and sons Spencer and Samuel of Ellendale, Jesse (Jamie) Christensen and son Sylas of Chisholm, his father John (Cindy) Christensen of Chisholm, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Dennis and Rita Thorson of Chatfield, his mother Lynn Njos of St. Ansgar, Iowa, grandmother Fran Njos of Blooming Prairie and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Orla and Virgil Christensen and Dale Njos and his aunt Connie Njos.

Rest in eternal peace, Johnny, you will forever live in our hearts!