Edward & Antionette Christopherson

Edward M. Christopherson and Antionette M. Christopherson

Edward Myron Christopherson, known to many as Chris, passed away on September 11, 2025, in Ukiah, California. He was born on August 6, 1932, in Nome, North Dakota.

Edward proudly served his country for more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1981 with distinction as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). His military career began during the Korean War as an Aerial Gunner and later continued as an Inflight Refueling Manager. Service, duty, and quiet pride were central to Edward’s life.

In October 1955, Edward married Antionette May Michaels, affectionately known as Toni, in Massachusetts. Their marriage spanned more than 66 years, until Antionette’s passing on May 18, 2022, in Ukiah, California. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion to family, service, and each other.

Edward and Antionette moved frequently during Edward’s Air Force career, living in Massachusetts, New Mexico, California, Washington, Okinawa, and Michigan. In 1978, they settled in Vacaville, California, where they remained for more than four decades before relocating to Ukiah in 2021 to be closer to family.

Edward was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Club in Vacaville and enjoyed traveling extensively with Antionette in retirement.

Edward is survived by his sisters Edith Helfer (twin) and Elaine Jutila, and his brother Richard Christopherson, all of Idaho. He was preceded in death by his sister Eileen Britton and brother John Christopherson.

Antionette May Michaels Christopherson was born on July 24, 1932, in Bridgeton, New Jersey. She is preceded in death by her sisters Dolores Michaels and Joan Chaika, and brother Jay Michaels. She is survived by her sister Carolyn Giles.

Antionette was the heart of her family, supporting Edward throughout his military career and raising their children while navigating the challenges of frequent moves. In the early 1980s, she began a second career as a English as a Second Language teacher with the Vacaville School District. She took great pride in helping students prepare for American citizenship and was deeply loved by those she taught.

Antionette found joy in simple pleasures—Bingo, crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, and camping by the beach in their RV with Edward.

Edward and Antionette are survived by their children Gerald Christopherson and his wifeTracy of Boyne City, Michigan, and Karen Christopherson of Ukiah, California; their grandchildren Sarah, Eric, Daniel, James, and Matisse; and their great-grandchildren.

Edward and Antionette Christopherson will be laid to rest together with Military Honors on March 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.