Charles Walter Nystrom, Jr. died August 14, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Bonnie (Ryan) Aherin and Zoe Nystrom; brother, Thomas Nystrom of Tom's River, N.J.; and grandsons, Ronan and Maddox Aherin. 

Charles was accepted into the Air Force Academy on the Vice President's signature at seventeen, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 2006. He retired as a lieuteant colonel, flying as the Weapon System Officer in the F-111E during the Persian Gulf War.

He then taught at the Accelerated Learning Laboratory in Tucson. Chuck was an outdoorsman who sought the same adventure as the young fighter pilot who enjoyed ski trips with his daughters in Switzerland, scuba diving in Hawaii, hiking in the Northern Thai Mountains, Alaska, and in Tucson with the Southern Arizona Hiking Club with pet boxer, Baci.

After he retired from the USAF, he earned his Master's degree in Education while teaching at Accelerated Learning Laboratory...and growing out his hair to a ponytail with an increasing large supply of Hawaiian shirts. He was an avid learner who appreciated the youngest of students to reach for their full potential. He will be remembered as the ace student from Jersey, the heartfelt military officer, the almost hippy school teacher, and friendly church member of the Mt. Avenue Church of Christ congregation. 

He will be always honored, loved and remembered for his light spirit, smile, and dedication. May he rest in peace. 

A Memorial Service was held on Aug 19, 2008 at Mountain Avenue Church of Christ, Tucson, with a private funeral at the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Zoe Nystrom, Charles' Daughter  |  August 2008

It's 10PM Tues night and I just got home from Tucson. 

The church was filled with Charlie's friends. Many were kids from the school where he has been teaching - a few of them spoke at the service. He was clearly very involved with his church, as many of the congregation were present and mourning. 

It was very obvious that Charlie remained cheerful, fun-loving, caring, involved, compassionate . . . exactly as I remember him.

Goodbye, Charlie.

Respectfully,

– Mark Donnelly