Virgil E. Christensen, age 90, of Brookings, died Sunday, September 20, 2009, at the Brookings Hospital. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, September 25, 2009, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, with interment in First Lutheran Cemetery at Brookings. Visitations will be from 4-8 P.M. Thursday at Eidsness Funeral Home.

Virgil Eugene Christensen was born September 23, 1918, on a farm near Viborg, South Dakota, to Jens Edward and Anna Cecelia (Petersen) Christensen. He attended school through the eighth grade at Swan Lake country school and in Hurley. Following his schooling he went to work for various farmers. On December 8, 1946, he married Waneta O. Williamson at the North Lutheran Church at Viborg. Following their marriage they moved to Centerville, South Dakota, where Virgil worked for McMurchie Brothers until 1970. They then moved to Brookings where Virgil was employed at SDSU. He retired in 1981. Waneta died September 24, 1992.

Virgil was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brookings and the Golden K Kiwanis. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting, and fishing.

Survivors include a daughter, Kathleen Christensen, of Estelline, South Dakota; a son, Russel L. (Sheryl) Christensen, of Volga, South Dakota; three grandchildren: Leslie (Brandon), Mattlock (Amy), and Katelyn; four great-grandchildren: Jaci, Victoria, Olivia, and Morgan; and a sister, Arlene (Virgil) Plucker of Chancellor, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother, Darrell; and two sisters, Gwen and Fern.