Memorial services for Harley Christiansen, 83, Beaver Creek, will be Monday, June 21, with Masonic Rites beginning at 11 a.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home – Engebretson Chapel in Luverne. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Beaver Creek Cemetery in Beaver Creek. Harley Henry Christiansen, 83, Beaver Creek, died Sunday, May 23, 2004, at his farm home.Harley Christiansen was born to Henry and Amanda (Sandstede) Christiansen on March 27, 1921, in Beaver Creek. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in Beaver Creek. He graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1938. Upon graduating, he continued farming with his parents. On March 26, 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his discharge on March 23, 1946, he returned home to the family farm where he joined as a partner with his parents. He later purchased the homestead in 1959 and continued to farm until he retired in December 1990.Mr. Christiansen was active in the Mason Order and was accepted as a Master Mason on Jan. 17, 1952. He served as a board member for the Beaver Creek Coop Elevator from 1973 to 1978. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include five nephews, Stanley (Karen) Gehrke, Roger (Deb) Gehrke, Carl (Teresa) Gehrke, all of Beaver Creek, Eddie (Carol) Gehrke, Hills, and Gary Freelin, Chester, Va.; three nieces, Judy Bassett, Ellicott City, Md., Mary (Andy) Moore, Fairfax, Va., and Christine (Joseph) Littlejohn, Vacaville, Calif.; 13 great-nieces and great-nephews; eight great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and other family and friends. Mr. Christiansen was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, Helen Amanda Freelin, and sister Anna Johanna Gehrke and her husband, Edward. Hartquist Funeral Home – Engebretson Chapel, Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.
