Gordon Ray Christensen, 96 of Beresford, passed away on January 31, 2015 at Bethesda in Beresford.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday February 9, 2015 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Interment will be immediately following the service at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Pastor Greg Myrmoe will be officiating. Visitation will be Sunday February 8, 2015 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church from 3-6 with family present. Prayer service will be at 5:00 p.m.

Gordon was born September 7, 1918 at his home in rural Union County, son of Grover & Claudia (Grisham) Christensen. Upon graduation from 8th grade, he farmed with his father and brother south of Beresford.

He married Ardis LaVonne Johnson on March 8, 1944 with whom he had two children Janet and David. The couple farmed south of town until 1956 and then moved to Ardis’ family farm west of Beresford. They raised livestock and grain until they retired in 1984 and moved into town.

He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for 70 years serving as treasurer on the board of trustees and various volunteer projects throughout the years. One such project was working on the ceiling in the sanctuary where the church stands today. Although he did not enjoy heights, Gordon climbed to the peak and installed the ceiling boards.

An avid bowler, Gordon was so interested in the sport that at a young age he would re-set pins at the local bowling alley for many games. He enjoyed bowling well into his retirement years, winning many tournaments and trophies. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping and had a great love for the many dogs he had in his life.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 70 years Ardis, daughter Jan and husband Kelvin McMillan of Hawarden, Iowa, son Dave and wife Sue Christensen of Beresford, grandsons Phil and wife Lori McMillan of Omaha Nebraska and Randy and wife Laura McMillan of Modesto California, granddaughters Julie and husband Mike Lamoureux of Sioux City Iowa and Jessica Christensen of Bozeman Montana, great-grandchildren Darian, Ayden & Isabel of Modesto, California, Grant and Jackson of Omaha Nebraska and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Shanna Rae Christensen, his brother Ralph and wife Lucille Christensen, his sister Viola and husband Albert Bachman, cousin Steve (Bill) Stevenson, brother-in-law Larry Johnson, step-brother Kenneth and wife Clarice Fedderson, step-brother Clayton and wife DeVona Fedderson and the Fedderson step sisters.

Memorials may be directed to Watchdog Education Foundation - Shanna Rae Christensen Memorial Scholarship.