Einar John Sundstrom, 89, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 29th at Kingston Residence, Santa Fe, NM. He was previously a resident of Beaver Dam, WI and Lake Jackson, TX. He was born October 25, 1928 in Chicago, IL. He was the eldest of two sons of Ingrid (Milton) and John Sundstrom. He married Martha Jane Howe June 14, 1952 in Chicago, IL. Einar as a young man was very involved with the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed the outdoors especially camping, hiking, canoeing, boating and fishing.
Lt. Col. Einar Sundstrom retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1979 completing 28 years of service. Lt.
Col. Sundstrom completed Navigation School in April of 1950, Entered into active service by commission9 Feb 1951. He successfully completed Combat Crew Training, Advanced Survival Training, and Central Instructor School. Lt. Col. Sundstrom was a member of “the fighting fifth”, specifically GO 130 Hq 5AF, and GO 235 Hq 5AF. Flew various combat flight missions during the Korean War and earned the following Medals: Air Medal with two oak clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, United Nations Service Medal, National Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.
Einar attended IIT in Chicago, IL earning his Mechanical Engineering degree. He became a Power Specialist with the Dow Chemical Company and worked for Dow from 1957-1993. Einar had a passion for snow skiing which he acquired during his time working for Dow in Alberta Canada. After his retirement he pursued his passion attaining "Senior Ski Patrol" at the age of 70. Einar had a strong faith in God, a devout Lutheran and was an excellent role model for his family and those who knew him.
Einar is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha of Santa Fe, NM. His brother, Ronald Sundstrom of Mesa, Arizona. His children David (Itzel) Sundstrom of Roxborough, CO, Barbara (Peter) Scheuter of Melbourne, Florida, Judy Samuelson of Houston, TX, Patricia (Ted) McGregor of Santa Fe, NM, Richard (Harumi) Sundstrom of Beaver Dam, WI. His grandchildren; Adriana (Erik) Mauer, David (Maureen) Sundstrom, Kera (Brian) Franklin, Michelle Scheuter, Paul Scheuter, Rebecca (Jordan) Richmond, Matt Samuelson, Natalie (Rob) Cetrulo, Emma McGregor, and Scott Sundstrom. His great grandchildren; Elena, Ethan Mauer, Pierce, Brooke Franklin, Bennett and Adelyn Richmond. Nephews Danny and Mark Sundstrom, niece Kathy Smith and their spouses and children.