Eminent Farmer
County: Kingsbury
Before retiring, Richard Christensen and his wife Marlys owned and operated a Century Farm near Arlington, South Dakota. They now own Frames Plus More in Arlington. Christensen is a successful farmer, having been involved in dairy, pork and beef production. He has served several terms on the Kingsbury County Pork Producers board of directors, and is a long-time member of the Kingsbury County Crop Improvement Association, Kingsbury County Fair Association and the South Dakota Cattleman's Association. He served on the Kingbrook Rural Water board, and is credited with guiding the organization through a period of sustained growth. With the assurance that quality water was on the way, many families decided to stay on the farm.
Richard was a member of the Kingsbury County Extension Advisory Board and State Extension Advisory Board. He was instrumental in efforts to maintain funding for the Kingsbury County Extension Office. With his wife, Marlys, Christensen actively supported 4-H International Exchange programs. He is a lifetime member of the South Dakota Rural Youth organization, now known as Young Men and Women Alumni, and was fundraising chairman for the bell and bell tower at Camp Lakodia. As a Korean War veteran, he served as commander of the local American Legion post. He also has served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Council and was the first male PTA president in the Arlington school system.
Richard and Marlys, who was selected as an Eminent Homemaker in 2000, have four children.