Merlin Christensen, 86

April 14, 1940 -

September 27, 2026

 

Merlin Christensen passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health Services in Rochester, Minnesota. His wife was by his side, while a steady stream of loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren surrounded him during the final days of his life. With loved ones holding his hand, he went to heaven comforted by the sweet voices of so many people he loved. He was truly blessed.

Merlin was born on a farm in Ruskin, Nebraska in 1940. The son of Ansgar and Mabel Christensen. At an early age, the family moved to a farm south of Riceville, Iowa, where Merlin developed his deep love of raising livestock and taking care of the land. He married the love of his life, Fay Dynes, in 1961. Merlin and Fay raised six children on their farm south of Riceville. On that soil, they raised their children with an unshakeable work ethic, deep integrity, and a profound appreciation for agriculture. Merlin was unbelievably proud of the people his children became and the families they raised. His conversations were always filled with stories of his children and grandchildren, eagerly sharing the details of their everyday lives and achievements.

As a devoted dad and Grandpa, he rarely missed a special event. Though Merlin won many awards and donated countless hours to his community, co-ops, and local boards, his true focus was always clear. Just two weeks ago, while accepting his Hall of Fame membership at Riceville High School as a "Friend of Agriculture," he gracefully attributed the honor entirely to his family, stating he could not have done it without them. At the end of a long and meaningful life, his family truly was his world.

As God opened the gates of heaven, Merlin was wrapped in the strong arms of his grandson, Gabriel, who gained his angel wings on August 15. Reunited with Gabriel and surrounded by the comfort of many relatives and friends who went before him, Merlin truly would not trade places with any of us.

Merlin is survived by his wife Fay; his six children: Kelly (Audrey) Christensen, Kurt (Elizabeth) Christensen, Colleen (Kevin) Reber, Corwin (Dorene) Christensen, Casey (Heidi) Christensen, Craig (Jennifer) Christensen. 19 Grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren: Hannah(Dillon) Ptacek (Fay and Hank), Marcus (Baley) Christensen (Haley), Izak Christensen, Laticia (Bill) Kondrasuk (Delphine, Joshua, Zachary, Viviana, and Adelaide), Victoria (Chad) Curry (Jonah and Juliette), Mitchell Christensen, Landon Christensen, Sam Reber, Molly (Mark)Stang (Mabel), Jack Reber, Marshall Christensen, Chance Christensen, Cecilia Christensen, Henry Christensen, Louis Christensen, Azure Christensen, Sage Christensen, and Ivy Christensen.

A memorial service was held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa. A visitation took place Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the church. No formal visitation was held the morning of the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family who will use them for donations to Osage Memorial Hospital Foundation, Mitchell County Conservation, and Howard County Soil and Water Conservation. 

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisted the family with arrangements.