Lt. Col. Gerald J. Koellsted

[ironputts]

August 5, 2022

Lt. Col. Gerald J. Koellsted
Auburn Composite Squadron
Alabama Wing

Gerald John Koellsted 10/22/1938 – 07/09/2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the final curtain call of our beloved Gerald John Koellsted (age 83) of Auburn, Alabama. Jerry passed peacefully in his sleep in his home to join dear family members and friends who went before him and leaves a legacy of warm memories for all lucky enough to know him.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents, John James Koellsted and Madelyn Rita McLaughlin Koellsted.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth William Koellsted along with Maddee Cannon and his daughter, Jennifer Jane Koellsted Rhodes along with his son-in-law, Jessie Scott Rhodes and three grandsons, John Killian Delmore, Jessie Kaden Rhodes and Jackson Kyler Rhodes, ex-wife Caroline Willetta Chadwick along with her husband Thomas Jefferson Chadwick as well as dozens upon dozens of cherished cousins.

He adored his children and grandchildren and found great joy though conversation and meeting new friends. He was active in theater productions in some capacity or another throughout his life. He loved music and the arts, playing guitar and singing. He performed for many years with our local Civic Chorale. Jerry had the unique ability to know how to say exactly what someone needed to hear and was beyond witty. He was larger than life and had a heart of gold. His eyes could see into your soul and his smile lit up the room. To know him was to love him. One of Jerry's biggest passions was flying. He maintained a private pilot's license for close to 40 years and was a part owner in a plane co-op for 15 plus years. He was heavily involved in Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force for 34 years. As a new member, he served as a Squadron Commander and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in November of 2011. He went on to complete the Senior Program earning his Gill Rob Wilson in 2013 and was the cornerstone of the Squadron's Communications and Finance programs. He held masters ratings in Flight Operations and Cadet Programs and currently served in nine positions in the Squadron. Mr. Koellsted served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962 aboard the USS Brownson DD868 as Petty Officer 2nd Grade in Gun Fire Control; Graduated in 1970 from the University of Kansas earning a Bachelor of Science in Acting and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama; Worked as a Technical Director in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Auburn University 1970-1972; Had an 18 year long career as a Public Health Environmentalist with the Alabama Department of Public Health. He was a member of the Alabama Environmental Health Association, President 1993, Executive Board Member 1992-1997, Alabama Affiliate Delegate for the National Environmental Health Association 1992, Registered Environmental Health Specialist Emeritus, Certified Food Service Professional Emeritus and Served as a Mediator through the Lee County Court System.