Funeral services for Craig E. Christensen, 69, of Estherville, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville with Pastor Doug Burton and Pastor Cole McCormick officiating. Interment will be at East Side Cemetery, Estherville. Craig died on Dec. 7, 2023, following a brief illness.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday at the Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville.
Craig E. Christensen, the son of Edwin and Lucille (Burns) Christensen, was born on January 12, 1954, in Estherville, Iowa.
Craig attended Estherville High School, graduating in 1972. Following graduation, he earned his associate degree in nursing from Iowa Lakes Community College. After working as a registered nurse for Holy Family Hospital from 1975-1978, he took over as the Estherville Ambulance supervisor. In 1996, Craig began working for Henry-Olson Funeral Home. He earned his associates of mortuary science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science so he could work as a funeral director. Most recently he was working as a medical examiner investigator for Emmet County and at the Wild Rose Casino as a slot attendant.
Craig married Christine Haukoos and to this union, one daughter was born, Jessica. This marriage dissolved. He married Susan Glasgow, and to this union, two more children were born, Michael and Amanda. The couple later divorced.
In his free time, Craig served on the Estherville Police Reserve for 10 years. He also enjoyed sprint car racing and farming with his brother-in-law, Doug. When he wasn’t working or farming, he could be found riding around in the tow truck with Rich Harris or in the squad car with Cory Danner.
He was a past member of the Masonic Temple and the Elks.
Craig is survived by his children, Jessica (Sam) Stafford, Michael Christensen, and Amanda Christensen; his grandchildren, Kathryn, Reid, and Avery; his sisters, Deb (Doug) Schroeder and Lori (Ken) Jones; nephews, Casey (Selena) Schroeder, Garrett (Crystal) Schroeder, Jason Jones, and Justin Jones; his beloved dogs Milo and Slick, as well as many other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
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