Wilton Harold Christenson was born on September 17, 1919, to parents Carl Louis and Betsy (Ostby) Christenson in Hayes Township, Swift County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Monson Lake Lutheran Church in rural Sunburg, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Hayes Township and attended and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, Minnesota. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. On December 22, 1945, Wilton was united in marriage to Florance G. Simonson at the Rolling Forks Lutheran Church. Together they were able to share in 63 years of marriage. This union was blessed with two children. Wilton was called from this life on Saturday afternoon, September 5th, 2009 at the Glacial Ridge Health Systems in Glenwood, Minnesota. He attained the age of 89 years, 11 months and 18 days. Wilton had worked for the Hanson Silo Company; farmed in Benson and Kerkhoven; taught VO-AG classes; and was the Swift County Assessor for 21 years. Wilton was a member of the MAAO (Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers) and a member of the American Legion in Kerkhoven. Among the things Wilton enjoyed were his granddaughters; playing cards; fishing; tinkering and fixing anything. Wilton is survived by his daughter: Dawn (Marty) Hansen of Spring Lake Park, MN; his son: Scott Christenson of Murdock, MN; two granddaughters: Genette P. Hansen and Brigitte D. Hansen; two brothers: Lester Christenson of Hastings, MN and Eldon Christenson of Glenwood, MN; three sisters: Mildred (Donald) Egnell of Brooklyn Center, MN, Irene Vaaler of Edina, MN and Doris Miller of Bellingham, WA; and many nieces and nephews. Wilton was preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Betsy Christenson; his wife: Florance G. Christenson on August 28th, 2009; one brother: Clifford Christenson; and one sister: Marion Christenson.
