Gordon C. Christenson, 94, Harvey, ND passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 with family at his side at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home, Harvey, ND.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Harvey, ND.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.

Burial will be in Hillsdale Lutheran Cemetery, Harvey, ND.

Gordon Clayton Christenson was born on July 20, 1923 west of Harvey.  He was the first son of and third child born to Gust and Clara (Wangen) Christenson.  He grew up on the family farm in Hillsdale township west of Harvey.  He and his sisters attended the Hillsdale one room school near the farm.  The family spoke Norwegian which made it somewhat difficult for their English speaking teacher.  They all learned to read and write in English with the help of an interpreter.

In 1938 the family moved to a larger farm about three miles away located in Berlin Township, Sheridan County. Gordon then began farming with his dad.  Gordon purchased the farm in 1956 and lived and farmed there until moving into the St. Aloisius Nursing Home in 2015.

Gordon married Lorraine Knittel on October 23, 1946 in McClusky, ND.  They made their home on the farm, first in a small house moved from a neighbor's farm and then into the original farmhouse in 1956.  To this union were born four children.  Gary, Kelly, Connie and an infant child Kathy Lorraine who died hours after birth. The three children would often remark about the joy of having two sets of "parents" growing up with Gordon's parents also living on the farm.

Gordon's life revolved around his family and farm.  He truly was a "farmer at heart."  He worked hard since farming in those days included dairy cows, beef cows and small grains.  After retiring, Gordon and Lorraine spent a fair amount of time traveling with Lorraine's brother and sister-in-law.  They visited all the states but three and most of the Canadian provinces.

Gordon was a member of the Harvey Seventh-day Adventist Church and served as a deacon most of his life.  His faith in God and his church were important parts of his life.

Gordon is survived by his wife Lorraine; three children, Gary (Rosie) of Bismarck, Kelly (Eileen) at the farm; Connie Christenson of Mammoth Lakes, California; four grandchildren, Sheila (Lee) Kupersmith of Fort Collins, CO, Brandon Christenson of Harvey, Eric (Sarah) Christenson of Rugby, Shaun (Dana) Christenson of Fargo; two step grandchildren; Cori Theisen of Bismarck, Anthony Theisen of Erie, CO; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose Frey of Harvey and Donna Schimke of Bemidji, MN; brother, Elwood Christenson of Riverside, CA; numerous nieces, nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents;an infant daughter Kathy Lorraine; two sisters, Ovine Marzolf and Florence Melby.