James Christenson

James (Jim) Martin Christenson, 76, passed away peacefully February 6, 2026, at Aviva River Bend in Rochester, MN after a brief diagnosis of leukemia. James was born April 2, 1949, in Albert Lea, MN to Irvin and Lavonne Christenson.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Albert Lea, before moving to Stewartville to be closer to family. While growing up, Jim enjoyed helping his dad with woodworking projects and until just last summer enjoyed his all-time favorite hobby, lawn mowing.

Jim cherished the quiet joys of life, but that did not stand in his way of traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Pennsylvania and Jamaica. He enjoyed exchanging stories and laughter with family, friends and neighbors.

Jim worked for Farmland for 30 years before switching to Cedar Valley Services, where he retired in 2019.

His pleasant nature and smile will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Margaret (Christenson) Bernard, nephew Matt (Rachel) Bernard, their daughter Isabelle and niece Jenny Bernard. He is also survived by Steve Bernard.

He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Josh Bernard.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Mayo Clinic for Leukemia research.