Christensen, Emory Morris

Emory Morris Christensen passed away Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at his home in West Union. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Emory was born Nov. 19, 1921, to Morris and Esther (Downs) Christensen. He attended West Union High School, where he was active in 4-H and FFA, and graduated in 1939. In March of the same year he started farming. In 1944, he bought the home farm. His son, Jimmy, returned from the Navy and started farming with his dad in 1971. They farmed 600 acres together and had 350 head of cattle.

He is survived by his five children: Karen (Don) Henniges, Denver, Iowa; Connie Hilsenbeck, Davenport; Nancy (James) Vavricka, Cedar Rapids; Jimmy (Joyce) Christensen, Iowa Falls; and Karen Lee, Perry; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his twin sisters, Berle Frey and Merle Riggs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Esther (Downs) Christensen; his brother, Robert; and grandson, Brian Hilsenbeck.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Homes, 212 East Elm St., West Union, (563) 422-3615, is in charge of arrangements.

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