Marlin Christensen, 72, of Sioux Falls, died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at his residence.

Marlin G. Christensen was born March 30, 1936 at Dell Rapids, SD. He grew up in the Dell Rapids and Colman areas where he received his education.
On November 11, 1956, he was united in marriage with Elaine Ahlquist in Pipestone, MN. Following their marriage, the couple lived in the Hartford, SD area where they raised their children. Marlin worked for Colwill Brothers for a number of years and also worked for Greenlee Packing Company. For 5 years, Marlin owned and operated Chris’ Oil Company in Sioux Falls. He later worked as a crane operator and truck driver for D&W Construction. Marlin also worked as fairgrounds superintendent for the Sioux Empire Fair. He was most recently employed in maintenance for the Sioux Falls School District. During his career, he worked at several of the school system properties throughout the city. He and Elaine moved to Sioux Falls in 1992. Elaine preceded him in death on November 8, 1995. Marlin retired from the School System with nearly 20 years of service.

For hobbies, Marlin enjoyed tinkering with and buying and selling cars. Another favorite pastime was playing cards with his family. In his later years, he would enjoy time that he got to spend with his grandchildren, especially fishing and camping.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children, David (Karen) Christensen, Debra (Steven, MD) Miller, and Patty (Mel) Ness, all of Sioux Falls, SD, and Danny (Denise) Christensen and Julie Leuning, both of Ellis, SD; 6 grandchildren, April Peterson, Wayne (Lisa) Leuning, Kyle Christensen, Tyler Christensen, Nicole Christensen and Austin Miller; and 2 great grandchildren, Lillian Marks and Jerrett Marks. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Alfred (Colleen) Ahlquist and Edwin Ahlquist of Hartford, SD, and Roger (Joyce) Ahlquist of Sioux Falls, SD; and his sister-in-law, Mary Boysen, of Sioux Falls, SD; and a special friend, Barb Christensen, of Sioux Falls, SD.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a son-in-law, David Leuning.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, Main Avenue location. Interment will be in the Hartford City Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.