Benjamin Irving Christenson

December 18, 1977- June 03, 2018. Chief Petty Officer (retired) Benjamin Irving Christenson 40, a native of Columbus, OH, passed away on June 3, 2018 in Misawa, Japan. He was a veteran of the of the United States Navy where he served as a member of an elite Navy Special Operations community known as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Chief Christenson was highly respected by his peers. He started his career as Avionics Technician deploying multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, and received multiple awards, including Army Commendation Medal with combat valor. Ben was survived by his parents Irving and Jodelle (Jodi)Christenson, wife Jimelyn, sons Ben Jr and Brandon, brother Craig Christenson and his wife Shelly, brother in law Jimjo Malaga and wife Lea, mother-in-law Jocelyn Hecht, nephews James and Gavin, nieces Alexia, Grace and Leana Joy. Ben will be interred with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service was held at Misawa Air Force Base, Japan where he was surrounded with family and friends, and was lovingly called “ The Mayor of Misawa” for his love of people, service, and community volunteer of the year. Visitation will be held on Thursday Jul 19, 2018 from 1800-2000 at Murphy’s Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd, Arlington VA. Interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery on July 20, 2018. We will meet at the administration building , please arrive no later than 0915. There will be a graveside service with a Navy chaplain. A reception will take place after the burial at Ft Myers O’ Club (Patton Hall). Ben’s family would like to thank their family, friends, neighbors, and military community for the outpouring of love and support. Special thanks to EOD Foundation and Navy Special Operations and close family and friends for financial support. His loss was felt deeply by those who have known and cared for him. He will be greatly missed! Upon arrival at Arlington Cemetery please let the gate guards know that you are there for Chief Christenson funeral so you can drive your vehicle to administration building. Don’t forget to bring an identification card ( you will enter a military base and they will ask for your ID if you are 18 and above). Below is the direction to the reception following the funeral. Please use the Hatfield gate, you use this address 29 Carpenter Rd Ft Myer VA 22211 follow the loop for security you will end up again in Carpenter Rd. Take the first left turn at McNair Rd then left of Lee Ave (small road). You will see the Patton Hall at the end, you can park in front or the side of the building. Also, attached is a link regarding burial at Arlington National Cemetery: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Attending-a-Funeral/Order-of-Events