Lawrence Christensen of Spiritwood Dies at 66, Services Set in Sanborn

Larry "Wolf" Christensen spent 24 years on the BNSF railroad and another 17 with Bayer-Monsanto before dying April 1 at Sanford Health in Fargo. He was 66 and had lived in Spiritwood.

The name "Wolf" followed Christensen through much of Stutsman County's agricultural and transportation corridors. Born April 13, 1959, in Valley City at Mercy Hospital to Arlene and Lyle "Bud" Christensen, he grew up in Sanborn attending Sanborn School and North Central of Barnes. He joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1976 at 17, a year before he started at BNSF. He served both through 1982 and 1977, respectively, before his railroad career ran until 2001. He then bought his own truck and hauled for Syngenta and Ypsi Elevator before signing on with Bayer-Monsanto in 2009, a position he held until his death.

He met his wife, Leann Klein, through her mother's bowling league, where he was the older woman's regular partner. The detail fits: Christensen was known for showing up for people. He and Leann married May 18, 1985, and by family accounts started each morning with hugs and laughter, weekends with pancakes. He was quick-witted and fiercely protective of her. They laughed every day.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sanborn, the parish where Christensen's roots ran deep, will hold two days of services. Visitation is Thursday, April 9, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed immediately by a prayer service and the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass is Friday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. Christensen will be laid to rest with military honors in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Both services will be live streamed and archived through his tribute page at Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City, where arrangements were handled.