BOMBER MEMORIAL

GERALD EUGENE "JERRY" STEEN ~ Class of 1966
December 12, 1946 - December 10, 2004

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Our sweet Jerry died peacefully at home on December 10, 2004 two days short of his 58th birthday.

He was born in Portland, OR on December 12, 1946.

While an infant, he moved with his parents, Joyce and Frances Steen, to Richland where he lived his life. He attended Jason Lee Elementary School with the Class of 1965. He then attended Chief Jo Junior High School with the Class of 1966 and graduated with the Class of 1966 from Richland's Columbia High School.

He was a master automotive mechanic and a Quality Control/Quality Assurance engineer in the nuclear industry.

For all of his adult life, Jerry was deeply interested in building, flying, modifying and discussing the construction of remote control model airplanes. His favorites were a 1.8 scale Piper Club and a Gee Bee.

At every opportunity, he could be found either in his shop working on the planes or at the field flying them. He was also a dedicated auto mechanic; he built and loved his '70 Chevrolet pickup.

He leaves behind his wife Judith; daughter Dianna Steen with granddaughters Jade and Zoey and grandsons Joey and Zane; son Justin (Heidi) with grandson Mason and granddaughter Makiah; his brother Mike ('67), who was his lifelong friend and confidant; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins; aunts and uncles; two stepsons Christian and Kwinn Wilson and their families; in-laws and their families: Jerry and Dorothy Christensen, Claire Christensen, Keith and Pat Christensen, David Christensen, Jill and Marlin Ames, Ralph and Linda Christensen, Ruth and David Martin, Jim and Vickie Christensen, Dan and Crystal Christensen, and Van Christensen. Jerry will spend this Christmas with his infant daughter Erin, who died in 1970; his parents; his Uncle Don; and several Bomber friends who have recently made the journey.

His desire was to be cremated; his wish was honored.

"Oh, my sweetheart, our lives were forever changed. You came to us, and it will be lonely without your sweet presence. We know that you rest in the arms of the angels, but how we wish you could have remained longer here with us!"

A memorial service was held at 1pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 in the Richland LDS Stake Center at 1720 Thayer Drive in Richland. A luncheon for friends and family followed the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association; 557 Roy Street Lower Level; Seattle, WA 98109-4219.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on December 10, 2004.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).