Clifford Christensen

Clifford A. Christensen, age 96, of Big Stone City, SD, died on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Avantara in Milbank, SD.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 19, at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery, Ortonville, MN.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to gather for visitations and services. The use of face masks by attendees is recommended, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming will be viewable at www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.

Clifford Alfred Christensen was born on the family farm near Correll, MN, on October 3, 1924, to Alfred and Anna (Anderson) Christensen. The Christensen family moved to a farm they rented near Big Stone City in 1931. In 1945, they purchased their own farm south of Big Stone City.

Cliff married Ileen Wirkus on June 19, 1955, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nassau, MN. Following their marriage, Cliff and Ileen lived on the family farm, and later moved into Big Stone City. Cliff was an active member of American Lutheran Church for many years and a member of the Church Council. He was recently a member of Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Cliff was a member of the South Dakota Brown Swiss Association and the Odessa Rod and Gun Club. In recognition for their involvement with many 4-H activities, Cliff and Ileen were recognized as one of Grant County’s Friends of 4-H.

Cliff is survived by his children: Roger (Tammy) Christensen of Big Stone City, SD;  Linda (Troy) Asher of Coldwell, ID;  and Janel (Paul) Andrews of Jerome, ID;  grandchildren: Emma Christensen, Andrew (Tracie)  Christensen, Matthew Christensen, Zach Asher, Larimie Asher, Timbrie Asher, Lukas Andrews, Logan Andrews, and Layne Andrews; sister, Clara Zeek of Big Stone City; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ileen; sister, Bertha Alyea; brothers-in-law: Merlin Wirkus, Frank Zeek, and James Alyea; and nephew, Eric Alyea.