Kenneth Dale Christensen

Kenneth Dale Christensen was born to Earl and Eletha (Petersen) Christensen on August 18, 1938, at their family farm near Irwin, Iowa. At the age of nine he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He attended kindergarten through 11th grade in Kirkman, Iowa, and completed his senior year, graduating from Irwin Kirkman High School. Following graduation, Kenneth farmed near Irwin until 1984. Not long after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, serving a six-year commitment, including six months of active duty ending at Fort Ord, California.

On July 16, 1960, Kenneth was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lois, in Brayton, Iowa. To this union, six children were born: Ron, Vicki, Kevin, Sue, Dean, and Kathy.

In 1984, Kenneth began his career as a truck driver and continued until his retirement in 2018. During that time, he logged nearly 3,500,000 accident-free miles. The majority of which were driven with Grand Island Express while covering 47 of the 48 continental United States. His hobbies included collecting coins, John Deere 630 and 730 tractors, trains, and photography. He also enjoyed hunting for rocks, cutting and polishing and making them into necklaces and jewelry. He was also proud of his accomplishment of traveling to all 50 states.

Kenneth passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home in Harlan, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Eletha Christensen and great granddaughter, Raiya Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Christensen of Harlan, Iowa; children: Ron (Kathy) Christensen of Irwin, Iowa; Vicki (Scott) Malmanger of Bondurant, Iowa; Kevin (Donna) Christensen of Irwin, Iowa; Sue (Rick) Sciranko of Elk Horn, Iowa; Dean (Sheryl) Christensen of Des Moines, Iowa; and Kathy (Eric) Carson of Paducah, Kentucky; 19 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; siblings: Stanley (Helen) Christensen of Harlan, Iowa; Bonnie (Myron) Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa; and Carol (Keith) Plate of Iowa City, Iowa; along with many other family members and friends.