Julie Christensen

Julie Ann Christensen passed away July 6, 2021 in Perham, MN under the wonderful and loving care of the staff at the Thomas House and Hospice of the Red River Valley.  Born on September 3, 1942 in St. Paul, MN, Julie was the daughter of Arnold and Alma (Hofsommer) Hemquist.  They lived in Oakes and Fargo, North Dakota, before moving to Battle Lake, Minnesota in 1958.  Julie graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1960.  She enjoyed lake living, water skiing, music and was a talented pianist.  She loved all animals especially dogs and cats and riding her horse.  During high school, Julie was a part of the families’ early work in building Balmoral Golf Course.  After high school, she attended Moorhead State University.

Julie and Herb Christensen, Jr. were married on March 25, 1961.  They operated Blanche Lake Resort and later Balmoral Driving Range.  They raised their family near Otter Tail Lake where Julie had an extensive garden and taught piano lessons. Later in life, she attended Fergus Falls Community College, and was employed by Dr. John Myhre in Battle Lake as a receptionist.

In 1989 Julie moved to San Diego, California where she worked for Scripps Howard Medical Center.  Julie later moved to Mission, Texas.  She was united in marriage to George Hodak in 2001.  She also received her Massage Therapy License and operated a successful massage therapy business out of her home in Harlingen, Texas for many years.  There, she was very involved with the Humane Society and other pet rescue organizations, caring for her cats, and loved attending concerts with her sister, Jan.

She is survived by her children: Lora (Wes) Balken of Erhard, MN, Patrick (Kristi) Christensen of Battle Lake, MN, Anne Czarnecki of Denham Springs, LA and daughter-in-law Julie Christensen of Moorhead, MN.  Grandchildren: Becky (Travis) Roehl, Derek (Kayla) Benhardus, Sage Christensen, Sawyer Christensen, Regan Czarnecki and Taylor Czarnecki.  Great grandchildren:  Sierra and Sydney Roehl, Ellie, Gracie and Addie Benhardus.  Sister Janet Anderson of Perham, MN and sister-in-law Pamela Hemquist of Battle Lake, MN.

Julie was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Christensen, parents Arnold and Alma Hemquist, brother Mike Hemquist and brother-in-law Bob Anderson.

Memorials are preferred to the Humane Society and Loaves & Fishes of Harlingen, Texas.

Open House Visitation will be Monday, July 26, 2021, from 5 to 7 pm with Sharing of Memories at 7 pm, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake.

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