Russell Christensen, Jr.

Russell "Spanky" Christensen, Jr., 53, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

He was born October 3, 1962, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Russell and Sharon (Flathers) Christensen. Russell attended Atlantic Community Schools. He was united in marriage to Candice Kees on November 2, 1986. Russell's pride and joy, his son Shane, was born to this union. He lived his entire life in Atlantic.

Russell owned and operated his own construction business for many years before becoming a partner in his son's business, Shane's Seamless Guttering. He loved working with Shane and spending as much time as he could with him. Nothing gave Russell greater pleasure than spending time with Shane and his grandson, Lucas. When Shane was younger, Russell loved to watch him ride go-karts and four wheelers and just enjoy life as he grew up. Russell and Shane also enjoyed time together going to mud bogs and camping. They played the song "Mud Digger" every day. In his spare time, Russell enjoyed being with friends or working on houses and cars.

He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Bradford Christensen, Sr.; his mother, Sharon Senger; his step-mother, Shirley Dennis: his sister, Connie Christensen; and his guardian angel, Melony Ann Bush.

Russell is survived by his wife, Candice Christensen of Atlantic; his son, Shane (Chelsey) Christensen of Atlantic; his step-daughter, Essex (Mitch) Mullins of Atlantic; his grandson, Lucas Russell Christensen of Atlantic; his step-grandchildren, Justice, Maria and Sierra Parker all of Atlantic; his siblings, Pam (Mike) Brazelton of Des Moines, IA, Steve (Amy) Christensen of Atlantic, Terri (Steve) Hudspeth of De Moines, Kris (Alan) Anderson of Des Moines; his step-siblings, Nancy (Raymond) Dennis-Leonard of Mountain Home, AR, Sally (Kelly) Dennis-Young of Walnut, IA, Bill (Brandi) Dennis of Arco, ID and Mike (Beth) Cleland of Ogden, IA; other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers the family strongly requests memorials to the family to use per Russell's wishes.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2016, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, with burial in the Atlantic Cemetery, Atlantic, Iowa.

A time for visitation and fellowship will take place at Russell's home, 304 Birch St., Atlantic, following the interment of cremains.