Kenneth "Ken" Russell Christenson

Kenneth “Ken” Russell Christenson, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Ken was born December 1, 1939, to Elmer and Vivian in Albert Lea and grew up on a farm near Twin Lakes. His family moved to a farm near Austin when he was 13 years old. He graduated from Austin High School. He served two years in the Army as a teletype operator - stationed in Germany. He worked for Wilson Foods in Albert Lea for many years, Super Fresh in Austin, and ended his working years as a security guard for Hormel Corporate Office.

In 1962, Ken married Sharon (Haney) Christenson in Austin. Together they built a life full of love and family. They enjoyed 64 years of traveling on cruises, road trips, and gambling trips with friends. Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid outdoorsman, he spent countless happy hours deer hunting and fishing. He took great pride in his garden and lawn care, which he tended with skill and dedication for many years. Ken will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of nature, and the care he poured into his family and his home. His legacy of hard work, patience, and devotion will live on in the family he cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his three sons, Craig (Heidi O’Neill), Wade, and Chad (Michelle); his seven grandchildren, Kael, Elka, Damien (Sam Bahl), Loretta, Elizabeth (Adam Ziebarth), Rachel, and Adam Christenson; four step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, Jonas and Elliott Garcia; sisters-in-law, Judy Magnuson, Renee (Marv) Jensen, and Sandra Christenson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frederick, Richard, and John; and daughter-in-law, Terraine Holman (Wade).

A memorial service for Ken will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local Conservation Organization or Hospice Program. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.