Carl Leroy Christensen was born December 15, 1948 in a hospital corridor in Jefferson, IA, the son of Romayne (Archie) and Joyce Mundt Christensen. He grew up on a farm near Paton, IA where he lived most of his life. Sadly for all who knew him, Carl passed away July 16th 2022 in Hospice in Johnston, IA with his daughter Karli constantly at his side.

Carl and Rebecca (Becki) Carlson married in Houston, MN in April 1975 and had two children, Cody and Karli. Though Carl and Becki later divorced, they remained close and were devoted to supporting their kids and grandkids, Cael and Layna.

Carl graduated from Paton-Churdan High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Army in 1969. After completing Special Forces Medic training, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He had many stories to tell about the jungle training and snorkeling he did with his buddies while in Panama. He received an honorable discharge in 1972 and then received a BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University. He then went on to farm, raise livestock, and retired from Iowa State University as an animal caretaker (and handyman) at the ISU Dairy Farm.

Carl was known for his love of raising animals and his silly antics, like always having a toothbrush and dental floss with him wherever he went. He and Becki gave their children a richly unique upbringing, allowing them to raise a pet raccoon one summer, and a pet crow another year. His grandchildren were always excited to visit him because he often had new unique critters on his acreage, and because of his fun and silly approach to life. Even in recent years, he wasn’t afraid to jump on the trampoline with the kids, and not too long ago he surprised many of his friends with Christmas cards that had a recent picture of him standing on the back of his two horses like a stunt man in a wild west movie.

For the past 20 years, Carl lived like a hermit, but he was actually quite social. After retiring, he would travel far and wide to visit extended family and old acquaintances. He loved to dance, and often traveled across the state to attend dances with his network of friends.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Madelyn Pegg. He is survived by Becki, Cody (Tiffany), Karli, Cael and Layna Christensen, sisters Nicky Wynne and Jean Hodge, and many cousins and friends.

Though Carl didn’t care to be the center of attention, his family is holding a casual celebration of life for him at 209 Main in Paton, IA on August 13th from 3:00pm-6:00pm where they look forward to visiting with friends and family and hearing any Carl stories people are willing to share.

Memorial donations can be made to MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care, the William R Bliss Cancer Center in Ames, or any organization supporting animals. Cards can be sent to Carl’s family at:

4811 Wisconsin Ave

Des Moines, IA 50317