A funeral service for Virginia A. Christensen was held Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal. Pastor Mark Wilms officiated.

Pallbearers were Christie Weeg, Curt Sparks, Tyler Sparks, Tony Sparks, Claire Christensen and Saul Christensen. Honorary bearers were Aune Weeg, Henrik Weeg, Lillian Sparks, Elleanor Sparks, Theodore Sparks, Franklin Sparks, Arthur Sparks and Barbara Christensen. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery at Spencer. Warner Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Virginia Ann Christensen, the only child of Theodore and Hollis (Snyder) Dykhouse, was born Dec. 3, 1930 in Cedar Falls. Her childhood years were spent in Rock Rapids and later Moneta, where she received her education. Graduating from Moneta High School in 1948, she was always proud of the fact that she was in the "Top 10" of her class of seven. Virginia continued her education at Iowa State University for a year.

Virginia married Amos Christensen, Jr. on Oct. 29, 1950 in Royal. They were blessed with 65 years together. The couple farmed near Royal all their married life until retiring to Spencer in 1993. She enjoyed being a farm wife and mother, helping with chores, walking beans, providing meals to the workers in the field, raising a garden and taking good care of her family. Virginia loved to cook and always made her special tea ring and rosettes at Christmas time.

Music was an important part of Virginia's life. She loved to sing and was a member of the senior choir at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Royal for over 60 years. She also directed the junior choir for many years. As a longtime member of that church, she was active in Women's Circle and BLCW. Virginia was also a member of the Royal Federated Women's Club, holding local, district and state offices.

Amos and Virginia enjoyed many evenings through the years playing cards with friends or just challenging each other to a game of gin rummy. They were fortunate to be able to travel together and enjoyed camping with their family in the early years of their marriage. In her spare time, she liked to bowl, play bridge, golf, read (into all hours of the night) and loved spending time with her family.

When life threw her a curve in the form of breast cancer in 2017, she faced it with courage. Moving to live at St. Luke Lutheran Home, she made the best of her situation making friends with other residents and staff. While there she developed a love for Bingo and bracelets.

Virginia had a kind personality, a unique sense of humor and a positive attitude. She was a survivor who always said, "Like a card game, you play the hand you're dealt in life." She did that with grace and a smile.

Virginia passed away at the Spencer Hospital on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Amos, in 2015.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Karen Morse, of Hinsdale, Ill.; Mary Jo Christensen, of Bloomington, Minn.; Diane Sparks and her husband, Dwight, of Spencer; and Tim Christensen and his wife, Susan, of Royal; six grandchildren; Christie Weeg and her husband, Erick, of Maple Grove, Minn.; Curt Sparks and his wife, Sara, of Spencer; Tyler Sparks and his wife, Addie, of Huxley; Tony Sparks and his wife, Leah, of Fridley, Minn.; Claire Christensen, of Ames; and Saul Christensen, of Royal; seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Barbara Christensen, of Spencer; other relatives and many friends.