SLEEPY EYE, Minn. – Robert A. Christensen, chief executive officer of Christensen Farms, died from an apparent heart attack Nov. 3 in Kansas while hunting with family and friends. He was 51.

Christensen Farms began in 1974 as a small family operation. Currently it is one of the largest pork producers in the United States with facilities in six states and more than 900 employees, according to the company.

Glenn Stolt, chief financial officer of the company, remembered Christensen as having “a true entrepreneurial spirit and focused on excellence.”

“Over the past several years, Bob focused on developing a strong management team responsible for day-to-day-operations," Stolt said. “While Bob's passing is a tremendous loss to all of us, his legacy is a strong, innovative company committed to producing high-quality food.”

Christensen is survived by his wife, MaryAnn, and children, Robert, age 14, and Kellen, age 11. Visitation and funeral arrangements are pending.