Floyd M. Chrestiansen

ESTHERVILLE - Funeral services for Floyd M. Chrestiansen, 77, of Estherville will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger with pastor Luther Thoresen and Sister Patrick Murphy officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Graettinger with military graveside rites by the Wallingford American Legion.

He died at his farm home in rural Estherville Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.

Floyd M. Chrestiansen, the son of Albert and Mathilda (Tonderum) Chrestiansen, was born March 13, 1932, in Emmet County, Iowa.

Floyd graduated from Graettinger High School with the Class of 1950. Following high school, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served as Cpl. during 1952-1954 in Austria. Following his discharge, Floyd returned home to Emmet County and married Rhonda Jean Webster on Dec. 9, 1956. in Jackson, Minn.

Floyd and Rhonda began farming the family farm in Emmet County. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2006.

He raised poultry, hogs and cattle for many years. Like many farmers, he never actually retired from farming but was proud to have a son carry on the family farm. As a father, he actively helped his children with their 4-H livestock projects and was most especially proud to witness his seven granddaughters pursue their 4-H projects. "Grandpa C." was seen sitting in the bleachers in the show barn every summer in Emmet County and Benton County proudly cheering on their efforts and offering words of encouragement to the girls after each livestock show. Floyd was active in Emmet County Soil & Water Conservation and received an Outstanding Service Award in 1983.

Floyd was a lifetime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served in the past on the church council. Floyd was a 50-plus-year member of the Wallingford Legion. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and Minnesota Twins fan.

Floyd is survived by his wife, Rhonda, of Estherville; daughter, Nancy Danielson, and her husband, Tim, of Wallingford; daughter, Donna Wiese, and her husband, John, of Vinton; son, Bruce, and his wife, Lori, of Estherville and daughter, Sharon Bunce, and her husband, Bob, of Ankeny. Also surviving are grandchildren Amber Blume and her husband, Matt; Amy Daws and her husband, Kevin; Jill Wiese, Abby Danielson, Kara Wiese, Sarah Chrestiansen and Emily Chrestiansen. In addition Floyd is survived by two great-grandsons, Evan and Eli Blume. Floyd is also survived by a brother, Melvin, and his wife, Joyce, of Paris, Texas, and a sister, Julia Lehner, and her husband, Jim, of Dacula, Ga. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lawrence, and four sisters, Mildred Chrestiansen, Alice Gwinner, Neva Bechler and Ardythe Chrestiansen.

On-line condolences may be sent to www.henryolsonfuneral.com.