Dena Christians was born on June 17, 1932 in Nobles County, Minnesota to Frank and Gertie (Buyert) Koelewyn. She attended country school through 4th grade then attended Chandler Public School.
    Dena was united in marriage to Clares Christians at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota, Minnesota on February 5, 1952. Following their marriage, they lived in Junction City, Kansas while Clares was in the army. In 1954 they moved to a farm near Edgerton, Minnesota, where they lived until 1997 when they moved into Edgerton.
    Dena helped Clares on the farm and raised four children. She also worked at the Edgebrook Care Center from 1976 until 2003 in the laundry department.
Dena was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, where she participated in Ladies Aid and Friendship Class.
 Dena enjoyed baking food for others, crocheting, sewing, playing  games, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and canning.
 Dena moved into the Edgebrook Care Center on September 17, 2012. She passed away on July 1 2016 at the age of 84 years.
    Dena is lovingly remembered by husband Clares of 64 years. They were blessed with four children, eleven grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.
Glenda and Gary Van’t Hul of Rock Rapids
     Valeria Van’t Hul
     Brad and Shawna Lupkes - William, Clara, Isaac
     Chad and Kim Van’t Hul - Kelsey, Jake, Brady
Rod and Deb Christians of Edgerton
    Travis and Kim Muyskens - Olivia, Ethan, Elliot
    Michael and Tara Christians - Violet
    Justin and Chelsea Grassmeyer
Ron and Ava Christians of Kenneth
    Marty and Beth Christians - Liam, Karis
    Lee and Dawn Christians - Madison, Reese
    Jordan and Mackenzie Christians - Brooklyn
Gloria and Mark Roemeling of Edgerton
    Taylor and Mindy Stichka - Kyler, Kaeden
    Dustin and Rachel Roemeling - Roslyn
She is also survived by one sister, Gertrude (Harvey) Sas; sister-in-law Leona Koelewyn. She was proceded in death by her parents; a brother Frank; a brother Art and his wife Henrietta; a sister Grace Van Hulzen and her husband John; a sister Bertha Corbin and her husband Gilbert; a sister Florence Buys and her husband Walter.