Eldon "Eldy" Christenson

Eldon Wilford Christenson, 88, of Fargo, died on Dec. 21, 2019. Eldon was born May 3, 1931 to Betsy (Ostby) and Carl Louis Christenson of Swift county in Minnesota. Eldon grew up, the youngest of eight, on the family farm north of Kerkhoven, MN. Eldon was baptized and confirmed at Monson Lake Lutheran Church, Sunburg, MN worshiping in Norwegian. After graduating from Kerkhoven High School in 1948, Eldon started at the University of Minnesota with hopes of being a veterinarian but after a short time was asked to return home to help his dad farm. Eldon joined the military and served from 1953-1955 with the US Army as military police, spending some of that time in Germany. On September 28, 1957 Eldon married his dance partner for life, Cleo Larsen, also of Kerkhoven, and they moved to the Minneapolis area, making their home first in Fridley and then in Bloomington. Eldon’s work life began at a bank, then an insurance company, and finally as a driver for Century-Mercury Trucking, New Brighton, MN. Eldon worked hard to provide for his family and he and Cleo welcomed children Sonja (1964) and Eric (1967) and were long time members of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Bloomington. Eldon retired in 1992 after 31 years driving semi in the Twin Cities and enjoyed his retirement very much; taking many wonderful vacations with friends and relatives. Following Cleo’s retirement, they made their home in Glenwood, MN and enjoyed beautiful Lake Minnewaska for 12 ½ years, during which time they loved reconnecting with friends and relatives and making new friends in the community and at Glenwood Lutheran Church. As Eldon’s memory began to decline, they moved to Fargo, ND in 2013 making their home at One Oak Place, and joining Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Eldon’s final months were spent at Villa Maria under the wonderful care of staff from both the nursing home and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Eldy had a great singing voice, an easy smile and was an amazing whistler. He loved feeding the birds and gardening and always kept a beautiful yard. He enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with family over the years, and loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Eldy was a wonderful wood worker, was a fix-it kind of guy and enjoyed caning old furniture. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, humble spirit, quiet faith, love of animals (especially dogs,) his love of dark Karo syrup on klub and french toast and his hard work and commitment to his family. He could often be seen in his favorite chair with a cup of coffee, a dish of nuts and a stack of books by his side. Eldon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cleo Christenson, his daughter, Sonja (Brad) Kjar, Kindred, ND and his son, Eric (Sally) Christenson, Shoreview, MN, grandchildren: Annika Kjar, Anders Kjar, Sam Christenson, Kai Kjar and Spencer Christenson, brother in law Don Egnell, sisters- in-law; Delphine Larson, Marion Larsen, Phyllis Coleman, and brother- in-law Gary (Jane) Larson and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings; Marion, Clifford, Doris Miller, Lester, Wilton, Irene Vaaler, and Mildred Egnell, brothers- in- law; Warren Miller, Dave Vaaler, Roger Larson, Spencer Larsen, Donald Coleman and sisters- in-law; Marie Christenson, Dagne Christenson, and Florence Christenson.