Karlene F. Christensen, 67, of Minden, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at her home. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden with Rev. William Zwick officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's YouTube page. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Karlene's honor are kindly suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden, Minden Volunteer Fire Department or to Tabitha Hospice in Grand Island. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Karlene Faye Christensen was born on February 12, 1957, in Minden. The first born daughter of Richard and Nina (Jepsen) Garrelts. She grew up in the Minden area and was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Karlene graduated from Minden Public Schools with the class of 1975 then attended Lincoln School of Commerce, before she began working at Minden Exchange Bank where she worked until 1982.

She was united in marriage to Norman R. Christensen on November 8, 1980, in Minden, and to this union, two children were born: Stacey Marie in 1982 and Tyler Ray in 1985. The family made their home in Minden where she worked in the deli at Food Pride and then later in the deli at Mason's Market until her retirement.

Karlene was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden. She loved to decorate her home and her parents' home for the different seasons and holidays. Karlene also enjoyed her flower garden every year and would even take drives around town in the evenings to admire other people's flowers. She loved taking day trips to different places but was always glad to be home. Karlene also enjoyed doing needle hand work.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Norman Christensen of Minden; son, Tyler Christensen of Kearney; sister, Cindy Swanhorst and her husband, Curt, of McCook; sister-in-law, Vickie O'Brien and her husband, Randy, of Ord; brother-in-law, Matt Schmidt of Omaha; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stacey; parents, Richard and Nina Garrelts; and brother, Clyde Garrelts.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .