Lyle Christensen

Funeral services for Lyle Christensen were held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Union Congregational Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Tim Voigt officiating. Steve Christensen gave the eulogy. Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, and the congregation, accompanied by Jeanie Kotrba, pianist. Leann Schrader and Peg Roggow were in charge of registration. Flower attendants were Nichole Swan, Amber Combs, Ashley Swan, and Abigail Irish. Casket bearers were Katie Hansel, Stephanie Entringer, Brian Christensen, Daren Roggow, Eric Christensen, Bennett Haines, Mike Schrader, and Lee Schrader. Honorary casket bearers were Lyle’s great-grandchildren, and all the children that Lyle and Vi took care of over the years, that they thought of as family.

Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lyle Nels Christensen was born on November 3, 1929, in Gregory, SD, the first of five sons born to Edward and Mary (Hull) Christensen. Lyle grew up on a family farm near Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 1947.

He worked various jobs prior to being drafted into the US Marine Corps in 1951. Lyle married Viola Pastian on July 29, 1952. The couple resided in Santa Anna, CA, where Lyle was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro until his honorable discharge in October of 1953. One of Lyle’s military service stories includes the time he met John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe while briefly stationed in Hawaii.

The couple returned to Gregory where Lyle briefly worked on an area farm prior to being employed by Rosebud Farmers Union. In 1965, Lyle and Vi founded Christensen Sales and Service where Lyle provided electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services until his retirement in 2021. Lyle and Vi cared for many children over three generations and all are still considered members of the family.

Lyle was an active volunteer in scouting, church, and Odd Fellows Lodge. He was passionate about his hobbies of woodworking (particularly intricate scroll saw art), putting together puzzles, playing cribbage, and dominoes. He enjoyed spending time with family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lyle passed away on April 29, 2024, at the Avera Gregory Hospital at the age of 94.

He is survived by brothers Ivan (Luella), Montevideo, MN, and Dale, Dike IA; children Steve (Karen), Platte, SD, Rod (Louise), Edina, MN, Brad, Gregory, SD, and Todd, Gregory, SD; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous bonus grandchildren (kids who were fortunate enough to get to stay with Lyle and Vi).

Lyle is preceded in death by father (Edward); mother (Mary); wife (Viola); granddaughter LaDawn Christensen; infant brother Laurel; brother Richard; and sisters-in-law Barbara and Gloria.