Liane Christensen

Maximiliane Wilhelmine Manhard was born in Gauting, Germany on January 13, 1923, to Jakob and Magdalena (Schaffner) Manhard. Liane had an older sister, Marianne and a younger brother, Max who died before the age of two from measles and pneumonia.

Liane attended school until the 8th grade and then she and her sister were fortunate to ride the train to work in Munich for a few years. With the start of World War II she was called to work at the Dornier Aircraft Company, which manufactured aircraft designs for the military.

Liane met her sweetheart schatzi while Arnolds company was stationed in her home town. They fell in love and were married on July 9th, 1947, at the Lutheran Church in Gauting. Her oldest son, Herbert was born in Gauting. Liane was only 24 years old when she left home for a life in America with her husband and son. It was very hard for her to leave her family, but she always knew she would be back to visit. Unfortunately she did not get to return for her mothers funeral, but returned to Germany 20 years later for her fathers funeral.

Liane became a U.S. citizen in 1950 after waiting three years. She and Arnold added two boys and two girls to their family, James and Dean, Debra and Denise. Liane kept busy being a housewife, kept the books for their business, and also worked part time in later years to help Arnold. Liane and Arnold took great pride in their establishment Arnolds, and always kept it in tip top shape.

Liane enjoyed traveling around the states with Arnold and their friends or family members. She took many trips back to Germany after raising her family to visit her sister Marianne. Liane was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Ladies Circle. She enjoyed her life in Kimballton and worked on many committees throughout the years. She was an avid sports fan of baseball, football, golf, soccer and hockey - she loved them all! Liane spent time knitting and crocheting during the Fall and Winter months, and was always making something delicious in the kitchen for her family to eat. She enjoyed cooking and could make gravy from just about anything! Most of all, Liane loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and attending their various events.

Liane moved to Harlan to be closer to her daughters after selling the family home in Kimballton in 2016. After 3 months she fell and broke her hip. She was able to recover at Elmcrest Retirement Community in Harlan. It took a lot out of her, but she never gave up. She was transferred to Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn in June of 2017 after dealing with various medical issues at the Nebraska Medical Center. She passed away on August 24th, 2017, after attaining the age of 94 years, 7 months, and 11 days.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Marianne, brother Max, husband Arnold, and grandson Jacob.

Liane is survived by her children, Herb (Brenda) Christensen of Council Bluffs, IA, Jim (Debbie) Christensen of Adel, IA, Dean (Faye) Christensen of Omaha, NE, Debra Larson of Harlan, IA, and Denise (Larry) Buttry of Harlan, IA, 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, nephew Manfred Manhard of Painten, Germany, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Liane will be greatly missed by her family, but there is comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in Heaven with family and friends who have passed before her.

God Bless you, Liane. Until we meet again...

Visitation Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, also at the church. Burial will follow the service in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton.