Steve Christensen
February 6, 1943 ~ March 21, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Steve Christensen, a beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather. He passed away Friday, March 21, 2025 at home.

Born on February 6, 1943 in Audubon County, Iowa, Steve grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and community. He dedicated his life to supporting his family, being a friend to many, and building a lasting legacy of hard work, devotion, faith, and love.

Steve was baptized at Ebenezer Lutheran Church and attended the one-room schoolhouse in Douglas Township through 8th grade. He was an active member and leader in his 4-H club for 10 years. Steve graduated from Audubon High School in 1961 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1965. During his time at NWMS, Steve founded the AKL Fraternity chapter, which continues to thrive today. He was a devoted lifelong fan of the NWMS Bearcats, the Missouri Tigers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kearney and held several committee and officer roles there over the years.

Steve shared a beautiful 59-year marriage with his devoted wife, Adyline, whom he loved dearly and was the love of his life. They met through their respective Lutheran church youth groups, becoming sweethearts as teenagers. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Steve was a proud “girl dad” long before the term became popular. Adyline and Steve raised three strong, independent women, Gwen Mayes, Jenni Skiba, and Nanette Stout. Steve was a steady presence in their lives, always offering wisdom, support, and a listening ear. He was actively involved in their growth, instilling financial literacy, guiding them through 4-H projects, and teaching farm management from raising cattle to gardening in addition to practical skills, like tying knots. Steve found satisfaction in the crackle of a good fire, watching the flames consume whatever clutter nature left behind. He was a steadfast supporter of his daughters throughout high school and beyond, remaining actively engaged in their professional careers, always cheering them on with unwavering pride and love.

Steve’s role as a grandfather brought him immense joy, and he embraced it with unwavering love and dedication. Whether cheering from the sidelines at athletic events, applauding proudly at school plays, celebrating milestones like graduations and confirmations, or sharing special moments at college family weekends, Steve’s presence was a constant source of encouragement and pride. Steve would proudly wear the hats of all his grandchildren’s schools. His eight grandchildren will forever treasure his captivating stories, infectious humor, and endless affection.

Professionally, Steve worked as an accountant at Farmland Industries for over 30 years in three different states. He was respected for his dedication, hard work, and integrity. Following his retirement, Steve worked at Vocational Services Incorporated, an organization focused on helping special needs adults, for over 10 years. Steve truly loved numbers. He lived for 29,996 days, over 43 million minutes, and nearly 2.6 billion seconds. The alignment of those numbers — 43 for his birth year and 2.6 for his birthdate — was an accountant’s dream of perfect, ticked-and-tied figures.

Steve owned and operated Holt Mini Storage for over 25 years, providing trusted service to those in need of storage solutions.

Outside of work, Steve found joy in square dancing, where his warmth and lively spirit shone. He was known to gift yellow rock hugs generously. He and Adyline spent 25 wonderful years with the Ramblers Square Dance Club and proudly served on the National Square Dance Convention Board, welcoming over 2,000 dancers to the Kansas City Convention Center in 2018.

Steve and Adyline loved exploring the U.S., enjoying the New England coast and the deep historical ties to the beaches of Hawaii to the wilds of Alaska. Yet some of their most cherished getaways were to Branson and Silver Dollar City, where they found joy in lively shows, endless entertainment, and simply being together.

Steve was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his surviving family members. He is survived by his beloved wife, Adyline Christensen; his brilliant daughters, Gwen (Curt) Mayes, Jenni (Chris) Skiba, and Nanette Stout; his grandchildren, Gretchen (Jake) Shrewsbury, Jensen Mayes, Delany Stout, Thomas Skiba, Caroline (Ryan Wilmes) Mayes, Brock Stout, Jack Skiba, and Samuel Skiba; his great-grandchildren, Eleanor Shrewsbury and Juliana Shrewsbury; his brother, Delbert (Mary) Christensen; his brother-in-law, Byron (Holly) Clemsen; his nieces and nephews, Melanie (Randy) Larsen, Jason (Tracie) Christensen, Katie (Jon) Merk, Alyssa (Tom) Roberts, and Alex (Lindsey) Clemsen; his goddaughter, Michelle Hjelle, and godson, Brett Nissen; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Dagny Christensen; his in-laws, Russell and Jane Clemsen; his son-in-law, Stacy Stout; and his sister-in-law, Beverly Clemsen.

Join us as we celebrate Steve’s life and the impact he had on ours at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1715 S Jefferson, Kearney, MO 64060. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with a lunch afterward at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to either 1) The National Eye Institute, a cause important to Steve since his successful cornea lining transplant or 2) Trinity Lutheran Church.

Special thanks to the pallbearers: Jensen Mayes, Thomas Skiba, Brock Stout, Jack Skiba, Samuel Skiba, and Jake Shrewsbury, as well as the honorary pallbearers: Brett Nissen, Jason Christensen, Alex Clemsen, Gretchen Shrewsbury, Delany Stout and Caroline Mayes.

Steve will be lovingly remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his incredible gift for friendship, and a laugh that could brighten any room. To know Steve was to be blessed by his kindness, warmth, and the lasting impact he left on every life he touched. His legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who had the joy of knowing him.

Cards may be sent to Adyline and family members at 20822 Leesa Lane, Kearney, Missouri 64060-9360.