Lawrence Christensen, age 93 of Farwell, died Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at Our Lady of the Runestone Catholic Church in Kensington.  Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Glenwood and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  A private family burial will be held in the summer at Our Lady of the Runstone Catholic Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Lawrence Hume Christensen the son of Arthur and Pauline (Kotval) Christensen was born on July 18, 1923 in Lucan, Minnesota. He grew up on the home farm a mile outside of Lucan. He attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Lawrence attended school in Lucan and Vesta Minnesota and left school in the 8 ^th grade to help on the farm. He enlisted into the army on February 26, 1945 and served in World War II.  Lawrence was honorably discharged December 13, 1946 and then he reenlisted in January 16, 1951 and served in Korea until Aug 17, 1952 and was again honorably discharged.

Lawrence was united in Marriage to Rosemary Van Overbeke on January 3, 1959 in St. Edwards Catholic church in Minneota, Minnesota.  They made their home on the farm by Farwell, Minnesota. Lawrence was a founding member of Our Lady of the Runestone Catholic Church, an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, the American legion, and the Runestone ham radio club. Lawrence loved many things, he loved music, playing his harmonica and singing "You are my sunshine". He loved to farm, grow things and care for the cows. He also worked for Berghuis Construction Company and loved the fact that he was involved with building most of Interstate 94.  He frequently took the whole family along for a week or two each summer and they stayed in a school bus that he and Rosemary converted into a camper.  Lawrence could fix anything that was broken, but his major passion was flying his airplane and getting others interested in flying. He took countless people up for rides in his airplane. He just wanted them to feel the same thrill he did while he was flying!

Lawrence never complained about anything in his life. He saw the good in everyone and everything. He always had a helping hand for anyone he could. He also loved to tell stories of the old days. He passed away December 31, 2016 at Galeon Community Memorial Home in Osakis.

Lawrence is survived by his children: Annette (Larry) Mammenga of Ramsey MN, Daniel (Marcella) Christensen of Vermillion, MN, and Julie (Huntz) Didier of Osakis, MN;  grandchildren: Rebecca (Justin) Larkin, Marty Byers JR.,  Rachael Tandberg, Christine Mammenga, Eric (Jenn) Christensen, Stephanie (Andrew) Christensen, Lewis (Kallie) Blair and  Whitney (Jeff) Paulzine; great grandchildren Ginna Mammenga,  Katie Tandberg, Christopher Mammenga, Jay, Jordyn and Jayden Christensen, Easton Paulzine, and Keegan Blair; brothers, Arthur (Marcia) Christensen, Jr., of Stillwater, MN and Albert Christensen of Lucan, MN; sisters, Jean Turgeon of South St. Paul, MN, Mary Anne Iovino of Hiawassee, GA and Cathy (Gary) Alex of Redwood Falls, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife Rosemary in 2011; brothers, James, Donald and Gilbert Christensen; and sisters, Lorraine Christensen and Althea Miller.

Lawrence will be remembered for his great smile, easy going nature and his love of family and flying!