Virgil Christensen

VIRGIL JOSEPH CHRISTENSEN was born on September 20, 1927, to Roy and Blanche (Anderson) Christensen in Kossuth County, Iowa. In 1930, the Christensen family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Virgil was raised and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1945. He spent a brief time in the United States Navy before receiving a medical discharge. Virgil then returned home and enrolled in Northern State University in Aberdeen. On June 1, 1947, Virgil was united in marriage to Beverly Wood at First Baptist Church in Aberdeen. The couple moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Virgil continued his college education, graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1950 with a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering. Virgil and Beverly moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to start their family and career. Virgil worked for a consulting firm until 1955, at which time Virgil was employed by Rolph Construction. In 1958, Virgil, Beverly and their children relocated to Luverne, Minnesota, and founded The Christensen Corporation in 1960. Virgil was the developer and builder of many buildings throughout southwest Minnesota and surrounding areas in Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Virgil attended First Baptist Church while living in Luverne. He gave back to the Luverne community in many capacities throughout his years as a resident, including as a volunteer firefighter and county commissioner. He had a deep sense of appreciation for and gratitude to the Luverne community.

Virgil and Beverly enjoyed going to their cabin at Lake Sarah and home in Maui, Hawaii, and traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Virgil was very talented and enjoyed woodcarving, woodturning and creating stained glass creations in his workshop in Luverne. In 2013, Virgil and Beverly returned to Sioux Falls and resided at The Lodge at Prairie Creek. Virgil enjoyed his Prairie Creek community and continued his woodworking and glasswork there. Beverly passed away on December 22, 2016. On Saturday, March 19, 2022, Virgil died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society – The Lodge at Prairie Creek, Sioux Falls at the age of 94 years, 5 months, and 29 days.

Virgil was well-respected, innovative, and man of his word. Although he was very accomplished in his career and hobbies, he was most proud of his children who were all with him at the time of his death.

Virgil is lovingly remembered by his seven children, Carol Christensen and her husband, Adolfo Gallego of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Paula Christensen of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, David Christensen and his partner, Duane Hardy, of Bagley, Minnesota, Carla Casanova and her husband Mike of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jolene Ver Steeg and her husband Bruce of Lone Tree, Colorado, Jayne Christensen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mark Christensen of Fort Collins, Colorado; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Al Kundert of Pierre, South Dakota. Virgil was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Beverly; his parents; a sister, Beverly Kundert; and two brothers, Cleo Christensen and Gerald Christensen.

All memorials will be given to the Beverly and Virgil Christensen Scholarship of the Luverne Dollars for Scholars.

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First Baptist Church