Marlene Adele Christensen

Marlene A. Christensen, age 84, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday, September 15, at CentraCare Rice Hospital.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, September 18, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a private service will be held at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Andrew Township Cemetery. www.petersonbrothers.com

Marlene was born on June 29, 1942, in Westbrook, Minnesota, the daughter of Archie and Mildred (Swenhaugen) Anderson. She grew up in in Westbrook and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1960. On August 14, 1960, Marlene was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Christensen. They briefly lived in Windom and then in Westbrook while Marlene worked for Cottonwood County. They later moved to Dovray where Marlene worked as a bookkeeper for OCCO Feeds. She and Bob later operated the Dovray Manor for several years and then she started the Emaginary World gift shop. In 1980, they moved to New London and Marlene opened the Emaginary gift shop in downtown New London. She later moved the business to the Green Lake Mall and the store closed in 1988. Marlene was also self-employed as a home decorator and wedding florist in New London.

Marlene enjoyed flowers (inside and out) and scrapbooking. She cherished being a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and homemaker. She never missed any of her grandchildren’s school activities or athletic events. Marlene was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. Her life was guided by her profound love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert “Bob” Christensen of Willmar; one daughter, Andrea (and Jeff) Karnes of Sunburg; two grandchildren, Kayla (and Chad) Bonde of Redwood Falls and Zachary (and Amanda) Karnes of Sunburg; and four great grandchildren, Briar, Amelia, Weston and Tate. Also surviving is one brother, John (and Jan) Anderson of Roseau; and three sisters-in-law, Sheila (and Bob) Leonard of Dovray, Malo Scotting (and special friend, Jeff Krogh) of Big Lake and Alva (and John) Maeyaert of Walnut Grove, besides several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.