A Tradition of Excellence
For over a century, families have learned to expect compassionate, dignified and affordable service from Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes.
Today, our caring staff is dedicated to the needs of the community with services designed to assist families in making thoughtful decisions about memorialization planning.
Josh grew up on the family farm outside of Battle Creek, Iowa. Josh is the son of Douglas and Debbie Van Houten of Battle Creek. Graduating in 2001, Josh went on to further his education at Western Iowa Tech Community College before transferring to Mortuary College at Kansas City Kansas Community College, where he earned a degree in Mortuary Science. Josh and Christie purchased Christensen - Huffman Funeral Homes in August of 2013, and are delighted to be back home to serve their hometown communities. Josh is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. He is involved in Ida Grove Kiwanis, Iowa Funeral Director Association, Pheasents Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Volunteer Fire Fighter on the Ida Grove Fire Department, and bowls on a Mens League on Tuesday nights at the Ida Grove Bowling Alley. He enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, playing cards, bowling, going to coffee, watching his brother Justin trap shoot, and spending time with his family.
Christie is a hometown native of Ida Grove & Battle Creek, Iowa. She graduated from Battle Creek Ida Grove High School and continued her education in Ag Business at Western Iowa Tech Community College. She is the daughter of Kendall (Margaret) Zobel of Galva, Iowa and late Betty Zobel of Ida Grove. She is the granddaughter of Victor and the late Lois Zobel of Ida Grove and Jancie and the late Leo Cooper of Odebolt. Christie and Joshua have two children, Sophia Rose and Wyatt John who are the light of their lives. She enjoys running the office at the funeral home and helping families at their time of need. Her hobbies are: scrap booking, crocheting, fishing & hunting with her Dad, camping, singing, attending her daughters swim meets, and spending time with family.
Doug Van Houten, the father of our funeral director Josh, is our Monument Specialist. He will provide expert service in designing memorials or private mausoleums, lettering and cleaning. During your time of need, Doug will work closely with you and your family to help choose just the right memorial for your loved one.
Terry has lived in the Ida Grove area for many years. He worked for 50 plus years for Culligan Water Conditioning. He is a faithful member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove and is active on the Ida Grove Fire Department.
