Michael Bruce Christensen, 69, died on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at his home in Dunlap surrounded by his family. He was born on Aug. 24, 1954, in Audubon to parents Ivan Bruce and Amy Johanna (Larsen) Christensen. Mike grew up in Audubon County. He graduated from Audubon High School in 1972. Mike then began his lifelong occupation of driving truck. The last two companies he drove for were Panama Transfer and R. J. Wegner. On Jan. 17, 1987, Mike married Rita Lary at the St. John Lutheran Church in Dunlap. The couple always lived in the Dunlap area.
Mike loved to ride his motorcycle and horses. Some things Mike really enjoyed were T-bone steaks, Jack Daniels, Budweiser and Copenhagen. He liked to help on the farm and the two of them loved to do yardwork together. Mike really enjoyed spending time with his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; great-grandson, Oliver Miller; and three brothers, Todd Eric Christensen, Jamie Dean Christensen and David Lee Christensen. Mike is survived by his wife, Rita of Dunlap; four children, Dawn and her husband Bryan Klein of Logan, Brian Christensen and his wife Erica of Blair, Neb., JoAnna and her husband Mike Bonham of Dunlap and Mandy Pippitt and her significant other Jeremy Oloff of Logan; his four legged best friend, Nick; 11 grandchildren; 11+ great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Vinona Christensen of Indiana, Carol Clark of Redfield and Brenda Esdohr of Guthrie Center; two aunts, Shirley Christensen and Shar Merk both of Audubon; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap. Sam Jacobs presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “New Name Written Down in Glory” by Charity Gayle, “Bittersweet” by Zac Brown Band, “Scars in Heaven” by Casting Crowns and “Roll on (Eighteen-Wheeler)” by Alabama. The pallbearers were Mike Allen, Bayley Brandt, Dave Brandt, Brent Frazier, Joshua Lary and Randy Wegner.
Fouts Funeral Home in Dunlap was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
