September 10, 1931 – April 1, 2022

Funeral services for Clares Christians, 90, of Edgerton, Minn., were held Thursday, April 7, 10:30 a.m., at the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton with Pastor Scott Muilenburg and Pastor Jerry Blom officiating. Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery at Edgerton.

Music was provided by organist Vel Kooiman, special music, Look For Me and Precious Lord, by the Corner Stone Quartet, and the congregation singing Blessed Assurance and Amazing Grace.

Pallbearers were Marty Christians, Lee Christians, Jordan Christians, Michael Christians, Chad Van’t Hul, and Dustin Roemeling.

Honorary pallbearers were: Valeria Van’t Hul, Kim Muyskens, Shawna Lupkes, Mindy Stichka, and Chelsea Grassmeyer.

Clares Rodney Christians was born on September 10, 1931, in Murray County, Minnesota, to George and Mattie (Bolt) Christians. He attended Edgerton Christian School through the 10th grade. Clares met Dena Koelewyn at the roller rink in Edgerton where they enjoyed skating together after Young People’s Society. Clares and Dena were united in marriage at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota, Minn., on February 5, 1952. Following their marriage, they lived in Junction City, Kans., while he was in basic training. He served in the army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. In 1954, they moved to a farm near Edgerton where he enjoyed farming with his wife Dena for many years. In 1997, they moved into Edgerton and he worked at Pipestone Livestock Auction and the Edgerton Farm Service Center. He continued his love for farming by helping his family until the last loads of corn were harvested at the age of 89.

Clares was a 90-year member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton. He served on a variety of church, school and community boards. Clares enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles, and playing Rummikub with friends and family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Clares moved to the Hospice Cottage in Luverne, Minn., on March 22, 2022. He passed away on April 1, 2022, at 90 years old.

Clares is lovingly remembered by his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.  Glenda and Gary Van’t Hul of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Valeria Van’t Hul, Brad and Shawna Lupkes – William, Clara, Isaac, Peter, Chad and Kim Van’t Hul – Kelsey, Jake, Brady; Ron and Ava Christians of Kenneth, Minn., Marty and Beth Christians – Liam, Karis, Lee and Dawn Christians – Madison, Reese, Beau, Jordan and Mackenzie Christians – Brooklyn, Oakley, Londyn, baby boy; Rod and Deb Christians of Edgerton, Travis and Kim Muyskens – Olivia, Ethan, Elliot, Michael and Tara Christians – Violet, Theodore, Justin and Chelsea Grassmeyer – Vera; Gloria and Mark Roemeling of Edgerton, Taylor and Mindy Stichka – Kyler, Kaeden, Konnor, Dustin and Rachel Roemeling – Roslyn, Layna, Iyla. He is also survived by his sister, Lavonne Roach, sister-in-law, Joyce Christians, stepbrother, Byron (Andrea) Hoogwerf, and stepsister, Verla (Jerry) Blom.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dena (2016), brother, Rolland Christians, great-granddaughter, Lydia Lupkes, and brother-in-law, Dick Roach.