Gerald F. Christeson's Obituary
Colonel Gerald F. Christeson, UASF Ret. 69, passed away on August 13, 2017 at home following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born on 12 November 1947 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was a life time Green Bay Packers fan.
Gerry graduated Hilliard High School in 1965 and a BS at The Ohio State University in 1969. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through the AFROTC program, earned his MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1974, and graduated from Air War College in 1991.
Gerry served for 27 years as a fighter pilot (F-106/F-15) and major weapon system acquisition officer (YF-22 Program Manager). His last assignment was as the Senior USAF Military Assistant to the OSD’s Director Operational Test and Evaluation. He received multiple military awards and decorations over his long career, including the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Following his military retirement in 1996, Gerry continued to support engineering development and testing of advanced weapon systems while working as a support contractor and Pentagon civilian employee. Gerry retired from federal service in January 2016 while serving as the Director of the Test Capabilities Development in the Defense Department’s Test Resource Management Center.
Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of 49+ years, Carmen of Ashburn, VA; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jennifer Christeson of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and his daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Rick Jenkins of Wellington, FL. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Michael, Maria, Katherine and Zackary Christeson and Samantha and Haley Jenkins.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 4 PM – 8 PM where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 10:30 AM. Burial with full military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the donations be made in Gerry’s name to The Salvation Army of Loudoun County P.O. Box 47, Leesburg, Va. 20178.
Please share online condolences with the family at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com.
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