Richard Christensen

Richard Christensen age 75 of Nashua, IA, died Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home.

Richard “Dick” Christensen, age 75, of Nashua, IA, died at home on August 1, 2026, surrounded by family and all the familiar comforts of the home and life he had built.

A Celebration of Life will be held on his and Sandy’s 56th Wedding Anniversary on August 30th, 2026, at the Nashua Town and Country Club in Nashua, Iowa, from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m.

He was born June 20, 1951, in Charles City, Iowa, to Lyle Christensen and Essell(Reasland) Walther.  He moved with his family to a farm near Nashua when he was eight. He grew up working hard and spending as much time outdoors as he could, where his lifelong passions for hunting, fishing, and gardening began. He was part of the final class to attend the local country school and later graduated from Nashua High School in 1970.

On August 30, 1970, he married Sandra “Sandy” Fanska at Faith Bible Chapel in Charles City.  They spent more than 55 years building a life together.

Some of his past occupations included the Nashua Creamery in Nashua, Iowa, Meinerz Creamery in Fredericksburg, Iowa, and Mayfields Laboratories in Charles City, Iowa. He worked at various handyman jobs throughout his life.

He loved fishing, especially on the Mississippi River, and rarely needed much convincing to spend a day outdoors. Hunting and trapping were lifelong passions, but his garden was his pride and joy.

Those left to carry on his stories include his wife, Sandra “Sandy” Christensen; his children, Tina Schmidt and Jeremy (Kim) Christensen; his siblings, Kim (Doug) Wadey, Steve (Janet Cromer) Christensen, and Larry(Lora Schwickerath) Christensen, as well as his sister-in-laws; Kelly (Marvin) Christensen and Linda (Steve) Clay,  his grandchildren, Kayla (Jeremy) Mohr, Derek (Jessica) Drake Zachary(Chelsey) Schmidt, Chad Rich, and Caroline (Derrick) Hendrick; his great-grandchildren, Ellie Rich, Mathias Hendrick, Remus Hendrick, and Atlas Hendrick; and many nieces and nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Christensen and Essell Reasland Walther; his brothers, Marvin “Marv” Christensen and Allen Christensen; and his beloved dog, Boomer.

In his honor, cast a line, grow something worth sharing, make more food than necessary, tell an inappropriate joke, and give the people you love a little hell.