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Elliott Christen

| Fall 2026 Inspire(d)

Probituary: A notice of life! Elliott Christen was interviewed by daughter Jana Albers

Elliott Christen was born in Ridgeway, Iowa, in November of 1933 – 93 years ago! His family moved to Decorah, and he went to a one room schoolhouse through eighth grade. Elliott graduated from Decorah High School in 1951. Fun fact, he also played quarterback in high school but was the backup, as the legendary Jerry Reichow (who went on to play nine years in the NFL) was the starter. Elliott graduated from Luther College in 1955 where he majored in speech. He then worked with Ken Bjerke at KDEC Radio. He also served in the US Army from 1955-57. Bev Halverson and Elliott were married in 1958, just before he returned to Luther to earn his teaching degree – a career that would take the couple to various places in the following decade, including Northwood-Kensett from 1961-63 and Newton from 1963-70. He completed his Master’s degree at Truman State before returning to his hometown of Decorah, where he taught, coached, and was the Junior High Principal until he retired in 1995.  While coaching ninth grade football at Decorah with Roger Williams for 25 years, Elliott and Roger had a record of 140 wins, and just 17 losses, including 12 undefeated seasons! They also assisted the varsity coaches with practices and scouting during a period that Decorah High School won five state championships. Elliott also served as the long time PA Game announcers for both Luther College and Decorah High School, known widely as the “Voice of the Vikings”.  Elliott and Bev raised an amazing family during this time, including two children – Kyle and Jana – three grandchildren, and one great grandchild! 

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
When I interviewed for the Jr. High Principal job, I told Superintendent Wayne Burns I wasn’t sure I could do it – be in charge of 30 teachers and 500 teenagers? Wayne said, “There is more than one way to do this job!” 

How about the worst?
While in the Army, a sergeant told me, “Do not volunteer for ANYTHING!” After retiring, I made a “second career” out of volunteering; Luther College, Winn Med, First Lutheran Church (ed note: With the “A” team!), and the Decorah Food Pantry (to name a few). 

Editor’s note: Elliott received the very first Meritorious Service Award in 2014 from the Luther College Athletics Department for more than 30 years of volunteering as the Luther Football (and other sports!) PA Announcer. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Radio Announcer. 

What do/did you do?
I had a long career as a teacher, principal, and a coach, and I also served as the PA Announcer for Decorah HS Football Friday night games for over 50 years. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want with you? 
Family, Food, and Friends!

Try to describe yourself in one sentence.
A sports “nut”!

If you could eat anything every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti, shrimp, or a good steak.

Name one thing you could not live without.
Radio!

Tell us about…

Your wedding day: I married Bev Halverson in August of 1958, with a honeymoon in Northern Minnesota.

Your first job: Coca Cola bottling plant in Decorah – .75cents / hour!

Your favorite memory:
Attending 10 Iowa football bowl games with family, and traveling with Bev – California to Arizona to Florida, and most of the Midwest. 

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