Max Christensen

 Max E. Christensen, 89, of Clear Lake, formerly of Ventura, died Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Oakwood Care Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St., Clear Lake. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2014 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th Street, Clear Lake, with a Masonic Service from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery.

 Memorials may be directed to the Ventura Gun Club or the Ventura Public Library in Max’s memory.
 Max was born on June 2, 1924 in Ventura to Einer and Matilda (Paulsen) Christensen. He attended and graduated in 1941 from Ventura High School as class president. In 1941 he was inducted into the United States Army and faithfully and honorably served his country for 21 months as a medic during WWII, being honorably discharged in 1946. Max returned after his time in the military and continued farming within one mile of where he was born.
In 1966, after 43 years as a bachelor, he was united in marriage to Mary Gunderson (Gragert). Max was blessed with two children after this union.
Max was a talented and fun loving person. He was one of the original founders of the Ventura Gun Club and had a pilot’s license with over 2,000 hours. He was an excellent carpenter, enthusiast of the outdoors and wildlife conservation. Farming, hunting, golfing, trap shooting, flying and being a wildlife conservationist were his passions.
Max was a life member of the Clear Lake VFW and a life member of the Benevolence Masonic Lodge 145.
He is survived by his children, Ron (Beth) Gunderson and Shirley (Alan) Baker; grandchildren, Angie (Roy) Powell, Ashley Baker, Allan Gunderson, Rhonda Baker, Wendy (Michael) Manors and Murry (Stephani) Gunderson; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine Sommerfeld; sister-in-law, Betty Christensen; eight nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Einer and Matilda Christensen; wife, Mary Christensen; brother, Curtis Christensen; and brother-in-law, Bob Sommerfeld.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.