Marvin "Pal" Christensen

Marvin Aage “Pal” Christensen, age 88 of Yankton, SD passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2016 with family by his side, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, SD. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Larry Regynski officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. Visitations will begin at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Rosary at 6:45 PM and a Scripture Service following. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. On-line condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Pal was born on November 29th, 1927 in Yankton to Francis and Aage (Birch) Christensen. He married Patricia Ann McAtee on October 17th, 1947 in Custer, SD. They had just celebrated 69 years of marriage and together they raised 9 children. Pal started officiating/refereeing right after their marriage and he continued to do so at the high school level for 50 years and for the NCAA for 36 years for both football and basketball. He was proud to be a veteran of the Navy when he returned home in 1946. He worked for Vanderhule Transfer. Then, he and Vince Nelson owned and operated a Dray Line to transport goods. Pal also worked for George Means Cleaners. He was a proud salesman and co-owner of MBS (Butler Building) of Sioux City for 40 years. He worked as General Manager for Welfl Construction until his retirement. After he retired he began working for Laddie Kostel at the Kostel Funeral Home until November, 2013. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Benedictine Oblates for many years. Pal was inducted into the University of South Dakota Shrine in 2007, the Yankton High School Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He was a member of the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association, The Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Yankton Booster Club, Quarterback Club, and Yankton Economic Development. He served on the Board of Directors for the Federal Prison.

Pal was a Zen master on the basketball court and on the football field. It was his passion and brought in money during lean times. He loved telling a joke and never minded repeating the same joke and Pat would laugh every time. He was an extrovert who married an introvert – a perfect match. He loved Yankton and felt it was the greatest place to grow up, live your life and raise his children. No one loved Yankton more than Pal. He brought in lots of businesses to town and made them feel right at home. He loved food……. lots of food. He loved Patty more than anything – Period!

Pal is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Christensen; sister, Mary Jane (Gerald) Zavidil; his nine children, David (Jeanne) Christensen, Todd Christensen and Pamela Thompson, Gail (Steve) Morrison, Beth (Butch) Hanson, Bruce (Kristi) Christensen, Tom (Loretta) Christensen, Jane Wuestewald and Rock Boyd, Bill (Andrea) Christensen, and Dawn (Doug) Pesicka; 29 Grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Pal was preceded in death by his parents, one nephew, and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like memorials to be directed to the Yankton United Way, 610 W 23rd St. #11, Yankton, SD 57078 or River City Domestic Violence Center, PO Box 626, Yankton, SD 57078.

Thanks from the Christensen family, cheers and beers!