Harold Millard 'Pete' Christensen

Christensen, Harold Millard "Pete" age 88, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, went home to be with our Lord on December 31, due to complications from pneumonia after a courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Pete was born on January 14, 1929, in Odessa, Minnesota to Julius and Esther Christensen, who emigrated from Denmark. Pete grew up on a farm in the rural countryside with nine beloved siblings. He spoke Danish prior to learning English in a one room schoolhouse where he attended 1st through 12th grade. Pete often walked to school and heated a potato on the schoolhouse stove for lunch. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1947 and attended Moorhead State University. Pete joined the National Guard in 1950, and he served in the Korean War in 1951. As a Corporal in the Army, he was part of an artillery crew that fired 155 Howitzer cannons in the war. The loud blasts caused a noticeable lifetime hearing loss, and Pete was awarded a Korean Service Medal and a Bronze Service Star. When Pete returned home, he worked in sales for Standard Oil and Skelly Oil. He also operated a drive-in movie theatre in town with his brother Hans. A few years later, he met the new school teacher in town and married Beatrice Eik on December 26, 1955. Pete and Bea lived in Ortonville when they were first married where they enjoyed family and many dear friends. They enjoyed attending church, going to dances and playing cards as a young couple. They eventually moved to the Twin Cities and settled in Maple Grove with their four young children. Pete was talented in sales with a natural gift for connecting with people and sharing good, faith-filled conversation. He worked for Seven-Up, Pitney Bowes and the European Health Spas. He eventually started his own business, buying and selling manufactured homes. Pete's hobbies included hunting and waterskiing with his family, and he and his sons were part of the Prior Lake Water Ski Club for many years where they enjoyed slalom, trick and barefoot skiing. Pete always loved picnics with friends and visiting relatives. Strong in his faith, he taught his family the importance of prayer, attending church, and knowing, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Maple Grove Lutheran Church, the VA Hospital, North Memorial Hospital Maple Grove and the staff at J. A Wedum Hospice for their care of Pete. Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Esther (Jepsen) Christensen; wife, Beatrice (Eik) Christensen; brothers, Paul (Ruby) Christensen, Hans (Rose) Christensen, Marvin (Kathyrn) Christensen, (Florence) Christensen; sisters, Julia (Lee) Adams, Helga (Lawrence) Zahrbock, Ella (Dick) Petrick, and Virginia (Bill) Nieno. He is survived by sons, Robert and Todd; daughters, Shelly (Mike) Dill, Jennifer (Jim) Muellner; grandchildren Laura (Austin), Jonathan, Sarah and Tessa; brother Norman Christensen; sister Violet Roberts; relatives and many friends. Visitation is 11:00 AM Saturday, January 6, 2018 with a Memorial Service at Noon, Maple Grove Lutheran Church, 9251 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove. Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000

Tributes

Harold Millard 'Pete' Christensen

December 31, 2017

Tributes

Harold Millard 'Pete' Christensen

December 31, 2017

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