Marlyn "Butch" Eugene Christensen was born June 11, 1944 in Clear Lake, Wisconsin to Stanley & Elma Christensen. He attended school in Clear Lake and graduated in 1962. He enlisted in the Navy right after High School and served in the Naval Aircorp. He married Maple Wagner in October 1965 and together they raised 2 children, their son Darryl and their daughter Vicki.
Over the years Butch had a variety of jobs starting with 3M in Cumberland, mechanic work, owning his own pump repair service, dairy farming and he worked in maintenance for Land O'Lakes for 20 years before his retirement.
Butch had many hobbies and interests. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Clear Lake Fire Department for over 20 years and an active participant in the water fight team, both traditions that have carried over to his son and grandson. He enjoyed going on trips and taking in the historical sites and the beauty of our Country. He looked forward to deer hunting with his family and making maple syrup in the spring. He liked going on road trips, going to car shows in his 1957 Chevy, working on old tractors, participating in tractor pulls and working in the fields.
Most of all, he loved his family, his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and being there for their accomplishments. His greatest joy of all was camping with family and friends.
Butch is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Elma Christensen; brother, Marvin Christensen; infant sister, Mavis Christensen and brother in law Allen Heinbuch.
He is survived by his wife, Maple of Clear Lake, WI; son, Darryl (Cheryl) Christensen of Amery, WI; daughter, Vicki (Jim) Vangsness of Clear Lake, WI; grandchildren, Trent, Lane and Aleiya Christensen of Amery, WI and Jaici, Tanae and Rayne Vangsness of Clear Lake, WI; sisters, Marcia Heinbuch of New Richmond, WI; Marlis (George) Lindeman of Cumberland, WI; Mary (Wayne) Hughes of Gordon, WI; Marjean (Tom) Rowan, Amery, WI; mother in law, Rae Wagner of Clear Lake, WI; sister-in-law, Karen Pederson of Clear Lake, WI and many nieces and nephews and other family and friends. He will be terribly missed by all of his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 from Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the funeral home as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.