In Memory of William "Bill" Charles Krusenstjerna

William “Bill” Charles Krusenstjerna, age 89, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Twilight Acres of Wall Lake, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at the First Presbyterian Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Pastor Bill Crawford will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by Roose Post No. 313 of the American Legion of Odebolt, Iowa.  Private Family Inurnment will be in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service held at 7:00 p.m., conducted by Wheeler Lodge No. 398 A.F. & A.M., Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa.  The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

William “Bill” Charles Krusenstjerna, age 89, of Odebolt, IA, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home of Wall Lake, IA. Bill was born on February 27, 1930, to Alvin and Lena (Gonnerman) Krusenstjerna. He was baptized on May 4, 1930 and confirmed on May 26, 1946, in the Methodist Church of Odebolt.

Bill grew up in the John Deere Implement business helping his Dad and was passionate about the green and yellow. On June 16, 1957, he married Marjean Ann Panhorst, the love of his life in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Cherokee, IA. The couple were blessed with four children: Lee, Del, Jay and Amy. Bill and Marjean were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church of Odebolt.

Bill was known in high school for his passion as the center and middle linebacker of the football team. He graduated from Odebolt High School with the class of 1948. Bill worked for a short period in the family business before joining the United States Air Force serving in the Korean War from 1951-1955. After serving our country, Bill came back to work in the family John Deere business and became the second generation owner of the John Deere Dealership until 1985. He continued to sell with Hultgren Implement until 1992 when he retired.

Bill enjoyed attending his children’s activities throughout school and later made it a point to attend his grandchildren’s events wherever they might be. Bill was a 68 year plus member of Wheeler Masonic Lodge No. 398 of Odebolt, a 64 year member of the Sioux City Scottish Rite Consistory and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He served on the Odebolt Cemetery Board and the Odebolt-Arthur School Board. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He always did business in an upfront, honest manner and was always a man of his word. He loved playing cribbage, euchre and bridge. Bill will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and sayings. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Marjean Krusenstjerna; parents Alvin and Lena Krusenstjerna; in-laws Walter and Margaret Panhorst; brother-in-law Orin Panhorst; sister-in-law Marcella Panhorst; and great grandson Emmett Krusenstjerna.

Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include sons Lee (Jane) Krusenstjerna of Lake View, IA, Del (Julie) Krusenstjerna of Apple Valley, MN, Jay (Mary) Krusenstjerna of Wall Lake, IA; daughter Amy (Todd) Lykins of St. Augustine, FL; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren; sister Ruth (Marvin) Mowrey of Des Moines, IA; nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Odebolt Library, Odebolt Fire Department or the Odebolt American Legion in memory of Bill.