Marvin Christensen
1931 - 2016
Marvin Eugene Christensen, beloved husband of the late Louise Christensen, passed away in Taber on Friday, August 12, 2016 at the age of 84 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.
The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Marvin is survived by his children Darrell (Jo-Ann) Christensen of Taber and their children Coralee (Chad) Hoskins, Tricia Coutts (Brett Langhofer), Jordan (Kirstin) Simek and Josh Simek (Kalese Shannon); Marilyn (Collin) Leismeister of Taber and their children Ryan (Laura) Leismeister and Carrie (Mike) Wilson; Connie (Daniel) Oberholtzer of Taber and their children Aryn (Jeff) Kramer and Chase Oberholtzer; Glenda (Don) Hepworth of Taber and their children Codi (Kristine) Oberholtzer, Paige Oberholtzer (Ty Oulton), Crystal (Nate) Cummins, Holly (Ryan) Okleberry, Val (Waylon) Goeble and Ashley (Chad) Stewart as well as several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Sylvia (Sheldon) Rogers, sisters-in-law Rose (Lloyd) Munro-Graham and Cecilia Minion.
He was predeceased by his wife Louise, granddaughter Marissa Christensen, parents Alfred and Inzie Christensen, eight brothers, four sisters and in-laws John and Frida Bachman.
Marvin was born on December 17, 1931 in Stirling to Alfred and Inzie Christensen, he was one of fourteen children. He was raised on the family farm in Wrentham. Marvin married Louise Bachman on April 3, 1954 and together they raised four children, Darrell, Marilyn, Connie and Glenda. He worked for the County of Warner for several years, building and blading roads. In 1967 he began working in the oilfield and in 1970 he, with partners, started Triwell Oilfield Construction. In 1989 he became sole owner of Triwell, which is still active today. Marvin went to the office every day, right up to the day before his death. In October 2001, his wife Louise passed away, this left a huge void in his life. He loved winter and horse racing in Phoenix, which he did every year for the past thirty years. Marvin was known by many names, Marvin, Chief, Dad, but mostly Papa, even to those who weren’t his. Marvin was about Triwell, he was about horse racing, but most of all he was about family. His family was everything. Who puts a swimming pool in their backyard without any intention of ever entering it? Papa did! His kids, grandkids, horses and dogs, he lived for them. It was a daily occurrence to see Papa napping in his chair with four dogs situated somewhere amongst him. They will miss his snuggles and we will miss giving him trouble for handing out to many treats. We are very thankful that he was in good health and able to be in his home until the end. Before his passing he told Connie that he wanted to go see the Grande Prairie race track. They went there on his last weekend, not only for the horse races, but to see two of his grandchildren that had been there looking after horses. That sneaky guy visited with each of us within the last two weeks of his life. We think he knew his time was done, but he couldn’t leave us without some goodbyes. He had waited too long to be reunited with his love, Louise. It was time to be Nanny and Papa again. We are fortunate to have so many great memories; he will be forever in our hearts.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marvin’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.