Dean Douglas Christen

ROCHESTER Dean D. Christen, 77, died on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at his home in Rochester from the effects of Parkinsons Disease. Dean was born in Ridgeway, IA on November 30, 1935 to Ernest and J. Mildred (Steine) Christen. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1953 and Luther College in 1957. He began his education career in Austin, MN on January 27, 1958 teaching Math and Science after serving in the National Guard. Dean married Ardis Fiskerbeck on August 16, 1959 in Ruthven, IA. In 1964, Dean and his family moved to Rochester where he worked briefly as a principal and finished his Math teaching career on January 27, 1992. After retiring he enjoyed cruises with Ardis to the Mediterranean visiting Ephesus and Israel, and through the Panama Canal. He also enjoyed his family trips to Norway and Alaska, ski trips to Colorado and Montana, and warmer vacations in Florida and Hawaii. He loved spending his summers on Long Lake in Park Rapids. Some of his hobbies included going to auctions, designing and making jewelry, music and woodworking. Dean is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ardis; two children, Lisa Christen, of Plymouth, MN, and Kari (Dave) Richards of Rochester; a grandson, Ian Richards, of Rochester; a brother, Elliott (Bev) Christen, of Decorah, IA; nephew, Kyle (Laura) Christen; niece, Jana (Kevin) Albers; great-nephew, Carson Christen; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bruening, of Kensington, MD. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jan Christen, and a brother-in-law, Robert Bruening. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Road NE, with Rev. Fred Rengstorf officiating. Visitation will be at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 between 4 and 7 P.M. and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Dean participated in numerous research studies related to Parkinsons.Even in death, he will continue to educate others through Mayo Family Study of Neurologic Diseases, specifically Parkinsons Research at Mayo. Memorials are suggested to Mayo Clinic Parkinsons Disease Research or a place of your choice.