Billy "Jake" Wilder Christensen

Billy “Jake” Wilder Christensen, 83, of Winterset, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel with family greeting friends from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future designation. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jake, as most called him, was born on June 2, 1940 in Winterset, Iowa to Julius “Jake” and Emma (Huston) Christensen. He graduated from Winterset High School in 1958 and soon after moved to Kansas City to attend classes for auto body repair. Jake moved back to Winterset and opened his own body repair shop called Christensen Body Shop. In 1971 he purchased a farm outside of Winterset and began a career of farming, raising cattle, hogs, chickens and row crops. He was incredibly proud to have cared for a successful farm up until his passing. On June 20, 1992, Jake married Georgia Lehman at the farm.

Jake enjoyed all things rodeo. He was a member and former president of the URA (United Rodeo Association) and a member of the IRCA (Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association). He participated in bareback bronc riding, but his favorite event was steer wrestling. Even when he was out working on the farm, he always knew to have chores finished so he could get inside to watch the rodeo on TV.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Christensen Ham of Indianola, Bennie (Johnie) Patrick of Elizabeth, CO, and Brenda (Rod) Amos of St. Charles; grandchildren, Marissa (Billy), James, Kelsie (Blaque), Jacob, Bree (Carson), and Sasha (Rory); 6 great grandchildren with one more on the way; and sister-in-law, Darlene Christensen. Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia; parents, Jake and Emma; and brothers, Donald and Loren Christensen.

Jake lived in Winterset all his life and will be missed dearly by many. May he rest in peace.