Robert E. Christensen, 92, of Marshalltown, Iowa, formerly of Maquoketa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

Robert Eugene Christensen was born in Spencer, lowa on September 23, 1932, son of Jim and Juanita (Comer) Christensen. His parentsowned and operated Christensen Boat Works on Upper Gar Lake in Arnolds Park, lowa. Young Robert spent his youth working for his father andwas educated in the Arnolds Park school system. During World War II his father was drafted to work in Duluth, Minnesota, where he built subchasers for the war effort.

Following the war, the family moved back to the Christensen Boat Works in Okoboji. Robert attended Okoboji High School and graduated in1950. During his senior year he joined the Naval Reserve. He Married Bonilyn Beck on September 24,1950 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua,Iowa.

Since he had four years of high school typing, Robert was hired in 1951 by the Iowa Department of Public Safety as a typist/clerk, issuingIowa drivers licenses in six northwest Iowa counties.

Several years later, Robert took the Iowa insurance tests and was a representative for FEMIC Insurance. In 1961 a decision was made to enterthe ministry and the Methodist Church assigned Robert as an approved Lay Pastor to Ware, Iowa. He was later assigned to the Hazleton/StanleyIowa Methodist Churches, serving there for four years. During this time he was able to take courses and enrolled at Upper Iowa University inFayette, graduating in 1967. His next move was to Wyoming/Oxford Junction Iowa Methodist Churches for two years. In 1970 he decided tobecome a teacher/librarian at the Oxford Junction School. He worked there for twenty-five years, retiring in 1995.

Robert was a 50-year member of the Masons, as well as Scottish Rite of Clinton Valley, Kaaba Shrine of Davenport, serving as chaplain fortwo years. He had many hobbies including flowers, butterflies, gardening, and fishing on the Maquoketa River as he lived near the HurstvilleDam for many years. They then moved to Marshalltown to be near family in 2012. He enjoyed attending his great-grandchildren’s sports events and school activities.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 74 years Bonilyn of Marshalltown, IA; son,

Rob (Jeanne) Christensen of Marshalltown, IA; 5 grandchildren Keri Christensen (Chris Newsom), James (Angie) Christensen, SummerNewton, Zachary (Emily) Newton, Christina (Quin) Abbot, and 7 great-grandchildren Nile, Grace, Julian and Lincoln Christensen, Landyn Fleck,Zander and Stellie Newton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Terry, his parents, his infant daughter Jill,daughter Janis and son-in-law Jack Newton.

Peace Cremation Services have been provided by Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A private family celebration of life will beheld at a later date in Milford, Iowa at the Milford Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials and notes of support may be directed to the Robert E. Christensen Family c/o CarsonCelebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060 or to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.