Linda Jean Christensen
August 31, 2018
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Service Details
Linda Christensen, 69, passed away at her home on July 31, 2018 surrounded by family. Visitation will be held Friday, August 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Rd. in Johnston, IA and the funeral service on Saturday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Ave. in Des Moines, IA.
Linda was born January 23, 1949 in Boston, MA, to Donald Wayne Murray and Rita Mary Murray, nee Duffy. She attended Ralston High School, Midland Lutheran College, the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Iowa State University and Drake University. In high school and college she was noted for her beautiful soprano voice which she continued to use in the St. John’s Cathedral Choir, Des Moines Choral Society, and Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Linda did not consider herself a good student, but she was a phenomenal teacher. Her connection with children was immediate, and their trust in her instinctive. A true beauty, her appearance was not what struck people about her. It was her warmth, compassion, genuine care and nurture, and her passion and gentle insistence on justice for all God’s people. It would only take moments for anyone Linda met to realize they were in the presence of an extraordinary individual.
Linda was a life-long learner and had an insatiable desire to learn as much as she could about God, religion, and spirituality. She was constantly searching and asking others about the Way of Jesus Christ and the love of God, though her own deep and heart-felt knowledge was obvious to all.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Alvin Christensen; son, Erik Charles Christensen and his husband, Kerry DeVaughn Jenkins; daughter, Tara Luktarn Christensen and her fiancée, Christopher Carmichael; sister, Judith “Judi” Lee Novotny, nee Murray; brothers, Donald “Don” Wayne Murray II, and Richard “Rick” Alan Murray.
Memorials may be directed to The After School Arts Program (ASAP) or Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM).
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Phil and Diana Sickles
08/04/2018
Linda was a beautiful spirit and as stated in her obituary it was obvious within seconds of engaging with her. Deep sympathy to all who loved her, especially Larry, Erik and Tara. May her presence continue to be a part of your lives as you move into the future she so beautifully prepared you for. God's peace.
Jenna, Megan, Cyndy and Joe Coppola
08/04/2018
We wish to express our deepest sympathy. Linda will remain in our hearts as an outstanding, caring teacher and welcoming neighbor. We are extremely grateful that she was a part of our life.
Kristen Glass Perez
08/03/2018
Erik, Kerry, Larry, Tara and Family;
My deepest condolences to all of you. Peace be with you as you prepare to celebrate Linda's life. You are in my prayers.
George and Janet Hanusa
08/03/2018
To all of Linda's family, our deepest sympathy. She was everything her obituary states and we enjoyed knowing her. Our grandson, Ben Wonderlin, was among those who "caught music," at her Kindermusic sessions.
God be with you.
The Shelton Family
08/02/2018
Linda has been and always will be "Mrs. C." to our family -- we still put the "note ornaments" she gave the children up on our Christmas every year and share stories of Kindermusik. She impacted so many. Mr. C, Tara, and Erik -- she loved you all so much and we loved hearing about your amazing family. May God's love surround you all.
Sharon Parker-Lenihan
08/02/2018
I join the celebration of Linda's life, the gratefulness for the love she shared with the world, and the sorrow in her passing. Sing and dance in Joy Linda.
Orchard Place Staff
08/02/2018
My sincere condolences to Linda's family.
LInda was just out recently to do a labyrinth walk with our kids at Orchard Place. She was such an incredible person! She impacted many. I am so thankful I got to meet her and work with her.
John Chaplin
08/02/2018
Sending my condolences to Linda's family and friends and keeping you surrounded in thought and prayer. Though not as well acquainted, I learned of Linda's great spirit and compassion through my former partner Lee, who passed away in 2007. (through their time at WH Lutheran Church).
Eileen Clausen
08/02/2018
Larry and family, I am sad to read that Linda has passed, but we all know she will meet us again, along with our Savior. Linda was a kind, caring and sensitive person. May Jesus hold you firmly as you mourn.
Linda (Wagner) Hirsch
08/02/2018
Larry, I am sorry to hear of your wifes passing. She sounds like someone I would have loved knowing. Praying God will give you strength at this difficult time.
Rick & Weston Young
08/01/2018
So sorry to hear of Linda's passing. Such a gentle soul and pleasant lady. Weston & I always looked forward to our visits with Linda, sharing time together, story telling and laughter. Thank you Linda! Our prayers are with your family.
Krystal Arleaux
08/01/2018
Heaven gained an angel but we lost a true angel here on earth. Linda has been part of the Hope Agency family the entire 10 years I have been there. She ALWAYS wore the kindness smile on her face. I felt warmth and comfort every time I was in her presence. Linda will be greatly missed. Prayers to all those she touched especially her family as we grieve her passing.
Janet Hanna
08/01/2018
John and I were so sorry to hear of Lindas passing. I enjoyed working with her at Youngermans Music where she taught Kindermusic classes. She loved working with the children and it was quite evident they loved her! Linda was a very caring person and a wonderful listener. She touched many lives and she will be greatly missed.
Susan and Brad Henry
08/01/2018
Larry and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Lindas death. She was always so kind with a sweet way about her. We will miss seeing her at church. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Ed and Mary Slattery
08/01/2018
Larry and family, We are so sad to learn of Lindas death. She was the embodiment of love, grace and the zen of enlightenment . May her achievement of nirvana be a beacon of hope for all of us. All our prayers of love, Mary and Ed