Eugene Just Christensen

HARTINGTON — Eugene Just Christensen, 92, Hartington (Pleasant Valley), died May 30, 2019, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Funeral services will be June 27, at 2 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Amanda Talley officiating.

Eugene was born July 13, 1926, on the family farm west of Pleasant Valley. He graduated from Liberty High School and helped his father farm. Eugene spent time in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II and re-enlisted during the Korean War. He served on the USS Ashland as fireman in the boiler room. He married Faye L. Mayhak Aug. 19, 1956, in Sanborn, Iowa. They spent a year in Sibley, Iowa, where Eugene worked at a creamery. They returned to Pleasant Valley, where they farmed and then operated the Pleasant Valley Café for eight years.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hartington. He served on the church council for a time, and taught Sunday school for many years. He enjoyed farming, square dancing, camping and fishing.

Eugene is survived by one son, Dallas Christensen, Hartington; one daughter, Paula Christensen and significant other, Dale Grindvold, Hartington; one aunt, Barb Reelfs, Vermillion, S.D.; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his wife of nearly 50 years, Faye; parents, Just and Dora; two sisters, Joan Christensen Reber and Norma Christensen Harms; and two brothers, Joel Christensen and Kenneth Christensen.