Obituary of Elmo R. Christensen

CHRISTENSEN ELMO

Elmo Christensen, age 98 of Yankton, SD passed away early Sunday, March 04, 2018 at the Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House, Yankton, SD.  Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Jim Pearson officiating.  Military graveside rites by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard and the US Coast Guard Honor Guard immediately following the service.  Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date.  On line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Elmo was born on February 8, 1920 in Yankton, South Dakota to Durward and Grace (Meredith) Christensen.  After graduation from Yankton High School (which he did not enjoy) he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in the fall of 1940 and was stationed at Port Townsend Washington, Life Boat Station Point Bonita, California and Ano Nuevo Island, California and Ord, California.  While in the Coast Guard he married the love of his life Patricia Dunn on November 28, 1943 and Pat joined him in California.

Elmo was discharged in October 1945 and moved to Huron, South Dakota to work at a grocery store and later he and Pat bought a grocery store in Yankton.  In 1947 Elmo & Pat moved to Missouri and owned a motel and then eventually moved to Wichita, Kansas where Elmo worked in housing construction.  They returned to Yankton in 1957 and Elmo began working at the South Dakota Human Services Center and later became the Director of Physical Plant and Maintenance.  Elmo & Pat had two children, Sammy and Beverly Ann.  Sammy died in his youth and Beverly Ann lives in Yankton at Ability Building Services Assisted Living.  Elmo was a proud member of Masons, reaching its highest honor as 33^rd Degree, enjoyed a life of music and sang in the Double Eagle Chorus and Christ Episcopal Church Choir. 

Elmo is survived by his wife of 74 years, Patricia; daughter, Bev Ann; brother, Chris of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother and sister-in-law, David and Sonia Dunn Rochester of Minnesota; nephews, nieces and many friends.

Memorials may be directed to Ability Building Services Foundation, 909 West 23^rd Street, Yankton, SD 567078 or Christ Episcopal Church,517 Douglas Yankton, SD  57078.