Lt. Col. (Ret.) Russell N. Christensen passed Friday morning at his home in Shalimar, Fl. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Sharon Christensen. Russell is survived by his four children; Rodney Christensen, Rene Valenti (Bill), Robert Christensen, and Ryan Christensen (Jennifer), nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Russell was born in 1934 in Ute, Iowa. He was one of six children born to Harry and Elvira Christensen. After high school, Russell met the love of his life in 1953 in Algona, Iowa. He then spent a year at Iowa State University before applying for pilot training with the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as an officer pilot on June 28, 1956, and married his beloved Ruth Adams on July 3, 1956.

Russell served our country in the United States Air Force for 20 years with postings all over the world. He served in combat during the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantoms. Russell and Ruth had come to love Northwest Florida during a posting earlier in his career, so they chose to make Shalimar their permanent home upon his retirement.

Russell adored his beloved Ruth, and is now with her.

A funeral service for both Russell and Ruth will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar, FL. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL. 

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