John Christensen

John L. Christensen, 64, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his nephew, Adam Christensen and his wife Monica of Urbandale, Iowa; his niece, Shelby Herrera of Houston, Texas; and his great-nephews and great-niece, Ava, Andon, Cole and Graham.

Born on July 19, 1951, in the old Atlantic Hospital, John was the second son of Robert and Vivian Christensen. He was a lifelong resident of Atlantic and known to many around town as "John L". John completed the eleventh grade at the Atlantic High School and graduated from Bellevue East High School in Bellevue, Nebraska.

John L joined the United States Air Force on August 20, 1972, where he attended technical school at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. He was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served 8 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. While in service, John earned the Master Technician Award, the National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit Medal, Longevity Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He reached the rank of E-4 Sgt. with 3 stripes and in 1984 was discharged with service disabilities.

He was then a committed veteran who never missed a year of placing a wreath at the Memorial Day Services. He enjoyed family gatherings throughout life and was a true Dane who appreciated a good cup of Joe at local eateries. He had a knack for retaining detailed facts about historical events and was the expert on all family statistics. John L was known for coining the phrase, "Ah Hoo" which, to this day, has no known origin but was enjoyed by many over the years. He liked bowling, airplanes, learning about outer space and cars. Especially the Mustang.

His kind loyalty and quiet, but quick wit will be missed.

Preceding John in death were his parents, grandparents, and his brother, Robert (Bub) Christensen, who died on May 8, 2015.

Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home will host a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with a funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery following the funeral service.

Friends are invited back to the funeral home for a lunch and fellowship.