Kenneth Edward Christians was born at home to Edward and Viola (Meister) Christians on June 22, 1938, in Rost Township, Minnesota. He was baptized on July 8, 1938, and confirmed on May 11, 1952, at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Rost Township. He attended the Lutheran Parochial School through the eighth grade then graduated from Lakefield High School with the class of 1956. Growing up on the farm, Ken knew that he wanted to begin farming full-time alongside his father as soon as he graduated. He raised black angus cattle and grew corn and soybeans. Shortly after graduating from high school, he joined the Army National Guard.

On November 17, 1962, Ken was united in marriage to Charlotte Ann Applegate in Gilmore City, Iowa. They spent more than 32 years together on their third-generation Century Farm. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, LeAnn, and Sarah. Ken and Charlotte would share memories and laugh about the unpredictability of farm life – from escaped cattle waking them up right outside their window to mishaps with roosters chasing toddlers. Ken knew that they were truly blessed.

In 1998, Ken and Char decided it was time to build a new home at the edge of the Lakefield Golf Course. In 2000, Ken was ready to retire from farming.

He sang tenor with the Fore-Tunes Quartet, the Windom Chordhustlers, and the St. Paul Lutheran Male choir for many years. He was an avid golfer, scoring a hole-in-one, and shooting his age. Ken was a lifelong fan of our Minnesota sports teams- the Twins and the Vikings. He served the St. Paul Lutheran Church as an elder, on the athletic committee, and the parochial school board. Ken has many talents; keeping a daily journal and dealt a strong hand of cribbage and gin. He loved getting together with friends for a game of bowling or shooting pool.

On Monday, June 26, 2023, Ken passed away at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at the age of 85 years.

Ken is survived by his wife, Charlotte Christians of Lakefield, MN; children, Michael (Donna) Christians of Detroit Lakes, MN, LeAnn (Dennis) Salentiny of Lakefield, MN, Sarah (Allen) Messer of Crystal, MN; thirteen grandchildren, Nathan, Kari, Kristina, Kayla, Derek, Dominic, Lucas, Rachel, Becca, Paul, Tim, Renae, and Eryn; seven great-grandchildren, Canton, Kenlee, Crady, Harper, Brecken, Adaeze, and Ena; siblings, Verlin Christians of Brooklyn Park, MN and Lois Ekeren of Golden Valley, MN.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Viola Christians; and brother-in-law, Tony Ekeren; sister-in-law, Janice Christians.

Blessed be the memory of Kenneth E. Christians.

A Celebration of Life Service for Kenneth Christians, age 85, of Lakefield, will be held Friday, June 30th at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rost Township, Jackson County, Minnesota, with Pastor Jeff Sage officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

A time of visitation and gathering will be held Thursday, June 29th from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Visitation will continue at the church for one hour prior to the service on Friday, June 30th.