JEAN DARLENE CHRISTENSEN, age 80, of Worthington, passed away in her home on Monday, August 1, 2011, surrounded by her family.  She was born on June 16, 1931, in Aberdeen, SD to Orville and Shirley (Scheffler) Smith.  Jean moved to Reading, MN when she was two years old.  She attended the Reading School until eighth grade and graduated from Worthington High School in 1949.
Jean was united in marriage to Calvin Christensen on October 2, 1949 at the Summit Lake  Presbyterian Church in Reading.  After their marriage the couple made their home in Fairmont until 2000, when they returned to their hometown of Worthington.
While living in Fairmont, Jean participated in many bridge groups, played golf, made many beautiful craft items, and worked part-time throughout the years.  Coffee time with friends was always a priority.  After returning to Worthington, she continued playing bridge and joined a sewing group at her church.   Sharing the pastime of watching sports with her husband was also an important part of her life.
Jean was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Fairmont for 50 years.  They joined the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington, where she served on committees and served as an elder.
Those left with wonderful memories include Cal, her husband of nearly 62 years, daughter, Dawn (Mick) Parker, Iowa Falls, IA; two grandchildren, Kelly Jean, Des Moines, IA; Bryan, Cedar Falls, IA. Jean has six sisters who are also left to cherish her memory. They include her twin, Joyce Rogers, Essie (John) Boltjes, Pudge (Larry) Comnick, Duff Bertrand, Corky (Richard) Robinson, all of Worthington, and Sandy (Larry) Brouwer, Edgerton, MN; brother-in-law, Mike Christensen, veteran's home in Texas.  She is also remembered by many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  She treasured her friendships with many friends from both of her "hometowns" and those she met on their winter travels to Texas.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents and an older brother, Jack.

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