ROCKFORD, IOWA — Terry Joseph “Butch” Christensen, 81, of Rockford, died Friday, July 17, 2026, leaving a legacy shaped by military service, Catholic faith, generosity and devotion to his family.
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 8, at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish-St. Michael’s Fellowship Hall in Whittemore.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed in Terry’s honor to the Iowa Donor Network, 550 North Madison Avenue, North Liberty, Iowa 52317.
Terry was born April 6, 1945, in Algona, the son of Merton and M. Elaine Christensen.
He proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy, including service during the Vietnam War.
According to his obituary, Terry will be remembered for his commitment to his community, readiness to help people in need and kind and generous nature.
His strong Catholic faith provided strength, purpose and comfort throughout his life. He sought to live according to those beliefs and passed the importance of faith, service and compassion to his family.
Terry spent more than 20 years working at Snap-on Tools. He believed any job worth undertaking should be done correctly the first time, approaching his work and other responsibilities with honesty, determination and pride.
Away from work, Terry was an enthusiastic fisherman who found peace and happiness on the water. Fishing also gave him opportunities to spend meaningful time with relatives and friends.
He enjoyed classic Western movies and was a devoted John Wayne fan. His obituary notes that Terry admired the integrity, courage and perseverance represented in those films and enjoyed sharing them with others.
Terry is survived by his children, Lisa (Bryan) Ruggles, Paul (Diane) Christensen, Jean (Jeff) Palmer and James (Meredith) Christensen.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matt Sewick (Hollie), Laurel Christensen, Jordan Palmer, Bryant (Brooklynn) Palmer, Ian Christensen and Lucas Christensen; and great-grandchildren Lily Sewick, Joseph Sewick, Jackson Sewick and Brynnlee Palmer.
Terry’s family will carry forward the values he demonstrated throughout his life: faith, service, hard work, kindness and generosity.
Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
If you would like an obituary, remembrance or tribute story published in NIT, please email the details to NORTHIOWATODAY@GMAIL.COM. This is a free service.