Iverdine “Ivy” Hilda Christensen, age 87, of Alexandria, formerly Miltona, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at her home in Nelson Gables.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Miltona with Rev. David Gran officiating. Music will be provided by organist Deb Joachim, vocalist Charlie Christopherson, and musician Jackson Burns. Interment will be held at the church cemetery following the service.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m., Friday, June 19th, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Visitation will also be held from 9-11 a.m., Saturday June 20th at the church prior to the funeral service.

Ivy was born on May 16, 1939, to Robert and Luella (Ziesemer) Vogt in Parkers Prairie. She spent her childhood on a farm near Parkers Prairie before her family settled in Miltona. Ivy attended elementary school in Miltona and graduated from Alexandria High School. At age 15, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Christensen, at the local dance hall in Miltona. After five years together, they were united in marriage on August 29, 1959 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Miltona. They made their home in Miltona where they raised their three children.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Ivy began teaching in several rural schoolhouses while working toward her teaching degree. She later taught at elementary schools in Alexandria, Carlos, and Miltona. While balancing a teaching career, raising a family, and helping on the farm, Ivy earned her Master’s degree in Education from St. Cloud State University.

In 1996, Ivy survived a brain aneurysm, a life-changing event that revealed her remarkable resilience. Refusing to let the setback define her, she continued serving her community as a substitute teacher, became a certified nursing assistant at several assisted living facilities, and eventually worked at Elden’s Fresh Foods for 27 years. She retired in 2024 at the age of 85.

From a young age, Ivy taught herself to play the piano and later the organ. Her musical talents led her to serve for many years as the organist at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. She faithfully shared those gifts with numerous area churches playing for worship services, weddings, and funerals, a ministry she continued through 2024. Her determination and willingness to learn new skills extended far beyond music. She even learned to drive both a school bus and a semi-truck to support their family businesses. When she wasn’t working, Ivy could most often be found outdoors taking pride in tending her gardens and lawn.

Above all, Ivy was devoted to her family. She cherished every opportunity to support and encourage them, taking a genuine interest in their lives and accomplishments. Her unwavering faith, determination, and tireless work ethic inspired all who knew her. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and service will live on through the family she loved so dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Luella Vogt; sister, Betty Ann (Roger) Larson; and son-in-law, Bryan Lewis.

Ivy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bob; three children, Renee (Mike) Drew, Janine Lewis, and Robert (Pam) Christensen; seven grandchildren, Michael (Allison) Drew, Sarah (Lee) Gomila, Natasha (Adam) Pitcher, Dustin Rawlings, R.C. (Kenzie) Christensen, Isaac (Kylie) Christensen, and Samantha (fiancé, Bailey Marthaler) Christensen; five great-grandchildren, Preston, Hope, Michael, Hailey, and Carter; niece, Teresa (Steve Hall) Eggers; nephew, Brad (Mary) Larson; along with many other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Pallbearers are Michael R. Drew, Dustin Rawlings, R.C. Christensen, Isaac Christensen, Adam Pitcher, Lee Gomila, and Bailey Marthaler. Honorary pallbearers are her three granddaughters and great-grandchildren.