Jack Christensen

Jack Craig Christensen, 69, of North Mankato, MN, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, after a short and courageous battle with cancer, on April 20, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 1-4p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Dr., with a prayer service at 3:45p.m. A private burial will be at the Harlan Cemetery, in Harlan, Iowa on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

 Jack was born March 29, 1953 to H. Jack and Sheilia (Larsen) Christensen, in Harlan, Iowa. He was confirmed and a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. Jack served as Treasurer during his membership. He attended Harlan Community Schools graduating in 1971. He then entered the United States Air Force and served his country from 1971-1975 during the Vietnam War. Jack married the love of his life, Sarah (Linden) on April 14, 1984 in Harlan, Iowa. Two daughters blessed their marriage, Katie Marie and Jana Christine. Jack began his career in the feed business as an outside salesman for Nelson Farm Supply in Harlan, then joining the Hubbard Feeds sales force, taking his family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and then Mankato, Minnesota. He worked his way through the company for 32 years, to retire on April 1, 2022 from his position as Executive Vice President of Business Strategy Alltech Feed Division. Jack earned several awards and recognition throughout his career, but what he treasured most were the friendships and relationships that were forged. He truly enjoyed the challenge his work presented—his gift being building relationships and problem solving. Although Jack’s work involved many days on the road and in the air, he was always ready to be at home. His greatest pleasure was derived from his family and their activities. Jack was a master at managing his schedule to be there to support his girls in their many activities and programs, and later his grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews. Jack also enjoyed golfing as well as watching and attending all kinds of sporting events, and tending his yard. The family vacations often centered around Jack’s work commitments and the girls’ activities, taking them all over the country.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sarah; his daughters, Katie (Bob) Beadell, of Mankato, MN and Jana (Bentley)Smith of Edina, MN; grandchildren, Jack and Blake Beadell, and Tripp Smith; sisters, Pam Mosher of Spirit Lake, IA and Jackie (Roger) Jones of Kirksville, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jack will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. We honor Jack and his life well lived.