SMSGT Bryan Christianson

Born March 22, 1935 in Stavanger, Norway, to his loving parents Harold and Carol, survivors of WWII which had broken out in his homeland on April 9th, 1940 he was only five years old, but that day was always fresh in his mind. Bryan went on to graduate from high school and immediately went on to join the armed forces in his home country at the age of 18 but with the dream of becoming an Aeronautical Engineer he then elected to come to the United States at age of 20, August 6th, 1955. His love of airplanes and engineering is what prompted him to enlist in the United States Air force in October 1955. Bryan served in the United States Air force until December 1976, attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He bravely served his country, was a decorated war veteran who served two tours in Vietnam at Danang AFB from August 1965 until October 1966, and again at Bien Hoa AFB from 1967 until March 1969. Bryan also went on to serve at Edwards AFB in California, and KI Sawyer AFB in Marquette, Michigan. He would later retire from active duty after 21 years of service and dedication to the United States Air force in December 1976 as an aircraft maintenance specialist and an accomplished pilot. Earning several commendation medals including medals for meritorious service, and a Bronze Star.

Bryan was inspired to prove to himself that he could indeed perform something that would set himself apart from the average individual. That’s when he had decided to build his own airplane. It took him three and a half years to complete. While doing so, he acquired his private pilot license. The airplane was used to travel to several fly-ins and was enjoyed by many. Bryan brought his airplane to Arizona with him, where he would later show his plane at many aviation shows. The airplane was finally donated to an aeronautical college in Chandler, Arizona. He was first an Avionics Technician, then an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, as well as an accomplished pilot who built his own plane. He finished his second career as an Aircraft Maintenance Quality Control Supervisor at Dynair Tech.

While Stationed at KI Sawyer AFB he met the love of his life, Marlene Judith Benzing in 1974 and after his retirement from the Air force in 1976 they moved to Phoenix, Arizona and married in 1977.In retirement Bryan loved building their cabin in Northern Arizona. Where he and Marlene would travel and spend many summers, weekends, and holidays with friends and family. He also loved working on his house, gardening in the yard, and spending time with his family, including his pets who he adored.

Bryan was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix. He was always very giving to all charities, and people in need. He loved to watch cowboy movies with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. He enjoyed listening to classic rock, jazz, classical, and opera music. He loved classic cars like Fords, and Chevys. Just like his first car a 1960 Chevy Corvette hard-top and he loved to build model airplanes.

Bryan will be especially remembered for being an intelligent, hardworking, giving and loving family man. But mostly because he had a personality that touched all that he met.

Bryan once told me when I asked “What did he learn in his lifetime about freedom, self-respect, and honor”. He said “That freedom isn’t free, self-respect is something one earns over a lifetime, and honor is something one bestows on genuinely honorable people”. I think he has earned all three. Freedom, Respect, and Honor.

Survived by his beloved sister Ingeborg, three step-children Gwen, Merri, and Darren, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three nieces and three nephews. Bryan was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marlene Judith Christianson of thirty years, and his two sisters, Ase and Wenke.

Viewing will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m., services to follow; Friday, September 5th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; 6301 W. Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033. Burial Services will be at Holy Cross Cemetery; 9925 W. Thomas Rd. Avondale, AZ 85392 at 10:00 a.m. with Military Honors. Relatives and friends are welcome at both services.

Memorial flowers are welcome at either St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or in lieu of flowers; the family respectfully suggests that donations be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in phoenix, AZ, Banner Gardens Hospice in Mesa, AZ or Equine Voices in Green Valley, AZ. Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Greer-Wilson Chapel, Phoenix, Arizona.