Jeffrey William Kristiansen, 57, passed away suddenly on Jan. 17. He lived on Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Tex., where he was an employee of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.
Jeffrey was born in Darien, Conn. on April 26, 1957 to Patricia C. Kristiansen and the late Walter C. Kristiansen. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1975 to proudly and courageously serve his country in various roles, including helicopter mechanic, flight engineer, rescue and recruitment for 20 years, during which time he met and married the love of his life, Katrina Langel Kristiansen, on Sept. 1, 1984. On May 6, 1987, their son, Mark David Kristiansen was born.
Retired from the Air Force in 1995 with the rank of Master Sergeant, Jeffrey’s post military career drew from his extensive technical and leadership experience and education, forming the foundation of an admirable career that filled the next chapter in his life. Never skipping a beat, positions included communications director at the Delray Beach Police Department (1996-2000), followed by engineering and management positions at United Technologies Corporation in Florida and in Connecticut. His final position with Sikorsky provided him with the opportunity to live in Texas and return to the passion of his early military career, working on helicopters.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Katrina Kristiansen of West Palm Beach, Fla.; son, Mark David Kristiansen of Norman, Okla.; mother, Patricia C. Kristiansen of Waldoboro; siblings, Nancy S. Kristiansen of Naples, David W. Kristiansen and wife Patti, Karen M. Overlock and husband Frank of Waldoboro, and Claire J. Bradstreet and husband Robert of Warren; aunt, Susan Betts of Waldoboro; nieces, Kate Overlock and Megan Robinson; nephews, Matthew Overlock, Joshua and Justin Kristiansen, and John and Jason Bradstreet; and great-nephew and niece, Kyle Melanson and Quinn Overlock. His beloved dog, Spaz, has been adopted by a neighborhood friend.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m., Sat., Feb. 28 at the Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ in Waldoboro with Rev. Nancy Duncan presiding. A private graveside ceremony will take place in the spring, where Jeffrey’s ashes will be buried alongside his father’s.
He was a genuine patriot who loved his country and challenged others to think and take a stand for their beliefs. Above all, he was a loyal and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to those fortunate enough to really know him and love him “most.”
In remembrance of Jeffrey’s service to his country and lifelong commitment to his fellow veterans, please consider a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
