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Gregory Fester Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Fester
Judy Owens '
June 5, 2024
Today June 5 2024 I learned about what a great man your husband was . Walnut middle school went to Arlington National cematary . They visited his grave site. My granddaughter had been chosen to present a speech about him along with two other student. As a military wife of a deceased Seabee I want to tell you thank you and your family for the ultimate sacrifice you and your husband gave to the nation
Pat
November 1, 2017
God bless Gregory and his family.
Mike Reynolds
May 19, 2017
Condolences-Julie, Mindy & families...so very late may they be.
Karie Sortman
March 13, 2015
Never forgetting your sacrifice. We are so grateful for your service. I remember when you came in the office and told us you wouldn't be back for awhile. How proud we all were of you. Still praying for your family.
Megan Fester
March 12, 2015
Happy birthday daddy. I miss you. I hope I'm making you proud.
AJ
August 30, 2013
Not forgotten.
February 12, 2013
May the memories of Major Gregory Fester uplift you. My best to his family; our family remains indebted to him for his service and sacrifice.
David Sincebaugh
December 5, 2012
Julie my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. I hope you have found some peace in your life. God bless you all.
James & Carolyn Hammond
October 27, 2012
Julie and family, we think about Greg and miss him. The last time we saw him was at our 50th anniversary. We send our love and prayers. Jim & Carolyn
Jim Wheeler
April 23, 2012
I still think about you Julie, and about Greg all the time. My continued thoughts, love, and prayers are yours.
Jim Wheeler
Peggy Childers
August 30, 2011
To the family and friends of Maj. Gregory J. Fester:
Please accept my remembrance of Gregory on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 30, 2010
To the family and friends of Maj. Gregory J. Fester:
Remembering Gregory on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Hugo Fischer
May 31, 2010
Remembering Greg this Memorial Day. A fine and honorable man, glad to have known him.
Peggy Childers
August 30, 2009
To the family of Maj. Gregory J. Fester:
Gregory gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
June 8, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Renee Fister-Lee
May 25, 2009
Still thinking of and praying for Greg and for his family. He was a true hero and I remember and honor him and all of our fallen soldiers on this Memorial Day. May God Bless each of you.
PS I smile as I remember the classes Greg and I had together in high school. When the teachers called role, they would always pause and try to figure out if they had siblings in their classroom; me being "Fister" and Greg being "Fester". We started calling each other "bro" and "sis". Greg was such a good guy, he is missed.
May 24, 2009
I came across Major Fester's name while reveiwing the "Fallen Solder" website. Although we never met I wanted to let you know your son/husband/father,and his/your sacrifice, is not forgotten. God bless you!
David Sincebaugh
February 5, 2009
To Eric and the entire Fester family my deepest sorrow. When I moved to Westerville in 79 Greg was very nice to me. I spent 5 yrs in the Navy and my heart just broke when I learned this terrible news. God bless you all,and may you all join Greg one day.
Arline Bennett
September 7, 2008
May God bless you and your family always. LEST WE FORGET Please fell free to contact me as I have a Special Dog Tag for Maj. Fester's family. Bless all of you Arline
In Memory of Gregory ~ (Debra Estep)
August 30, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Gregory, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 8, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Maj Fester!
jackie frye
February 26, 2008
To the family of an American hero.
What great prices are being paid each day for our freedom. I lost my nephew in June 2004 and at that point never took freedom for granted again and I am truly greatful for the brave men and women who put their life on the line each do so we can live free. May God be with you in the days ahead
Brent Langley
December 15, 2007
Julie,
You will not remember me, but I met you and your husband a number of years ago when you first moved to Michigan. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss and want to offer my condolences. I will be forever grateful for the sacrifice of Greg and those like him who gave so freely of themselves to bring hope and justice and freedom to the people of Iraq. God bless you and your children.
If I can ever do anything for you, feel free to contact me.
Susan Stanley
November 6, 2007
Dear relatives of Gregory, my son SSGT Russell J. Verdugo is buried in Arlington National Cemetery along with your hero. I took some photos last Memorial Day Week-end 2007 and have a photo of your Gregory’s grave site and marker. If you would like a copy emailed to you, please let me know. I know we are so very proud of our fallen heroes, but we miss them so.
In loving remembrance of our heroes!
Gold Star Mother,
Harold Huseby
September 19, 2007
Thank you for serving and protecting us greg, we miss you!
Patrick Fester
August 2, 2007
Dear fellow Festers,
My name is Patrick Douglas Fester of Whitebridge, New South Wales, Australia. I would like to pay tribute to a brave Fester who lost his life serving his country proudly as a Fester should. My grandfather and Uncle both served in the army but neither went to war, my father aslo served in the Australian Army Reserve whilst attending college. However my Father, Uncle and Grandfather have all died since , serving humanity, as im sure he would have wanted, (though i didnt not know him personally) (only by 9shared ancestry) . As one a 4 children i can begin to imagine the childrens heartbreak but you must remember your father loved you and believe in you as do all Festers.
If you dont know our Family motto on our crest reads
( from german translation)
Loyal in counsel, Firm in Action
this is what your father and husband was doing remember that
The Australian Festers
Julie, Carl, Andrew, Patrick and Hannah
August 1, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 22, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Maj Fester and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Jay Moughon, COL(Ret)
June 12, 2007
Julie,
I learned of Greg's passing today. I am so sorry. My prayers are with you and your children. Greg and I were in 3-27 FA at Fort Bragg. He was a great man, and whenever he talked about you, it was with respect, admiration, and deep love. Greg's devotion to his family, the Army, and God was something we should all emulate. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family.
SGT Thomas Marrs
December 18, 2006
To the friends and family of Maj Fester my name is SGT.Thomas R. Marrs and i was the patrol leader on the day that Maj Fester fell. It has taken me a long time to find the courage to view this site and now i would like all to know that not a day goes by without a thought and a prayer for a man i only knew for 2 hours. My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you, he shall never be forgotten
La'ren Lauchie'
September 22, 2006
Dear Jenni,
I am deeply sorry for your lost. I never knew much about it until I took a class with you this year. I pray that God will continue to keep you and your family. Jenni if you ever need anything you know where to find me. You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for being so strong and holding your head up. Thank you for smiling everyday and being so friendly. I'vr never really connected with anyone here and I thank y ou for being friendly. You are in my prayers.
Garnet Jenkins
August 30, 2006
Paying tribute to Maj. Gregory J. Fester, on the anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country and our Freedom. A Multitude of Thanks to this Hero for his Many Years of Courage, Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Major Fester, in God's Mighty Hands and know that you are a True American Hero.
May God's Loving Grace and comfort continue to be with the Fester family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many, So Young, Shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
Sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country mourns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
Jenni Fester
July 16, 2006
To mom megan and peyton,
Daddy was a true hero, and he is proud of each and everyone of you for making it this far. The road ahead is not easy, but know that he lives through each of us. I love you with all my heart, and I know that dad is so proud of you Megan for everything you accomplished this year. Peyton dad is so proud to have you as his only son, he loves you and is there for you in everything you do- you make him proud. Mom, dad married one strong woman, and you should know you were his strength each and everyday. Dad you are our hero, and in my thoughts each and every minute, thank you for being the hero that I aspire to be.
Love
Jenni
ROBYN GARSIDE
June 25, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR CHILDREN. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Margaret Wong
March 22, 2006
My deapest sympathies to the Fester family. I am glad there is a guest book for Maj Fester. I wanted to let the family know that we do have a nice photo of Maj. Fester, while he was in the Ireland Airport. We also have lost someone special to us. They are together in this photo. If you are interested in getting a copy of this photo please email me I will sent it to you. Our soldier Sgt Cheyenne C. Willey spoke highly in his journal about Maj Fester. Again I am so sorry for your loss. Take care
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 26, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Fester family in the loss of Gregory. I did not know Gregory, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
SSG Joe Conway
November 17, 2005
Julie, Jenni, Meagan and Peyton,
We have never met in person, but I share all of your grief. Having been there with him at the time of his death just adds to the pain. I will forever remember the 'Major' as my hero. Still serving proudly. SSG Joe Conway
Lisa Hurt
October 5, 2005
My Son is serving in Iraq with the Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command. He served under MJR Festor and stated he was a good man. I meet him in Ft. Bragg before the Unit left for Iraq. Your loss was felt in our community. We still include MJR. Festor in our care pacakges.
Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
LTC Gaylon McAlpine
September 30, 2005
Julie and family
We were deeply saddened when we heard the news about Greg. We were so glad to have known you guys at Ft Sill and Ft Bragg. We remember your family with fond memories.
Greg was a wonderful friend, husband, father, and officer. You all will be in our constant prayers. May God bless each of you and keep you in his care.
Gaylon and Mary McAlpine
Shawn Herron
September 29, 2005
I want to say that Maj Fester was an encouragement to me as a man of God. I only knew him for the time I was at Ft. Bragg before deployment. He would read his Bible every day and always have an encouraging word. Thank you for the time I had to know your husband. I believe him to be a man of God. May God bless your family and give you the peace of God in your lives.
Shawn Herron
angela reterstorf
September 23, 2005
dear julie and the family,
i would like you to know that our pryers and thoughts are with you. also my husband and i are both retired navy. stay strong.
Beth Thomae
September 23, 2005
I read about Greg in the Hope Plantation newsletter last evening and the name sounded familiar...passed WNHS this morning on my way to work and recognized the name again (on the message board in front of the school). I believe we met Greg's parents at the crab dock several years ago, we still live on the east side of Hoover Res., w/intentions of living at Hope in a few years. Anyway, just wanted to express our sorrow at your loss. Even though we don't know you now, we will be neighbors in the future.
In remembering, we keep what is best as treasures forever.
Beth & Bill Thomae
Galena, Ohio & John's Island, SC
TSgt Janet (Loomis) Van Etten
September 22, 2005
Dear Julie and Family
It saddens me to hear another brother in arms has fallen, but even more now because it's someone I know. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for God to give you the strength you need to get through this very trying time. Greg is a hero and very brave man to do what some in America would not be willing to; to risk his life to improve someone else's "world". While words can not soothe your broken hearts, Greg, you, and your families have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and the well-being of others and you can be very proud of the work he did. And I am proud to have "served" with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours and all the other families with love ones in harm's way. God Bless you all. TSgt Janet (Loomis) Van Etten WNHS '85
Joel Snitzer
September 21, 2005
Dear Fester Family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Joel & staff of Sheridan Peditrics
Diana Thorstenson
September 20, 2005
To the Fester and Hammond families,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about your tragic loss. I did not know Greg, but I know his brother Eric. We work together at Wright-Patterson AFB. We became friends when we discovered that we attended the same high school (go Warriors!) and loved Buckeye football equally fiercely. I wish that I had known Greg, he was a man of wonderful character. May your memories sustain you. He is truly an American hero.
God speed,
Diana (Howard) Thorstenson
WNHS'81, OSU'87
Marcia Adcox
September 16, 2005
Dear Fester and Hammond families -
After 17 years, I have returned to Ohio having made the personal realization of how important my family is to me and how much I've missed them. It is with that thought that I share my sympathy in the loss of Greg. I will always remember that perma smirk he had! My prayers and best wishes to your truly beautiful families.
Respectfully,
Marci
LTC Keyko Belleperche
September 15, 2005
Fester Family,
The Army Reserve Command held a Fallen Soldier Memorial Ceremony, in front of the Headquarters here in Atlanta this morning. BG Anderson our Chief of Staff hosted the ceremony. There were many Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians present to honor and memorialize your husband, our comrade, MAJ Gregory John Fester, US Army Special Operations Command, who was killed in action, Tuesday, 30 AUG 05, in Iraq. I hope you felt our support and prayers.
Very Respectfully,
John Zoeller
September 15, 2005
I didn't know Greg, but I served with the 490th during OIF I, and I'm friends with the team sergeant who was there with Greg. The CA Team is taking the death of Greg very hard. My deepest condolences. The Civil Affairs community is a small one, and every loss touches us deeply.
SSG John Zoeller
John Johnson
September 15, 2005
To the families - May your grief be lessened in knowing that Greg was a true hero and someone you can always be very proud of. Though I knew Julie in high school I did not have the privelege of knowing Greg. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you. God Bless.
Robert and Molly Kibler
September 14, 2005
Julie and family.
It was with great sorrow that we received the news of Greg. Both of us having grown up with both of you. You must know how sorry I am yet so darn proud of not only Greg's service but your steadfast support still of him and his mission. I cannot imagine the loss yet knowing his sacrifice makes me so proud to have known him and makes me proud to be a veteran. God bless you and your family. You are both hero's in our families lives for eternity.SSGT Robert E. Kibler USARNG ( retired )
Kenny Harper
September 14, 2005
Julie and family,
We're praying for you and the kids, as well as those who served with Greg in Iraq. I thoroughly enjoyed every message Greg sent to me while he was deployed. There isn't a day that goes by that I think of all the things we did together while we were still in college, and when we were living in Germany. I've always considered Greg to be one of my closest friends and I will miss him very much. You and your family will always be cherished by us.
Kenny, Julie, Lindsay, Brittany, and Michael Harper
Kerry Shafer
September 13, 2005
Dear Julie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the kids, and all of Greg's family. Although we haven't seen each other in 10 years, Greg still brings a smile to my face when I see ultimate frisbee, very small cars, Penn State-Ohio State games, and my guidon from battery command. I will always treasure our talks out in the field about the army, football, family and life. May God bless him and all those whose lives he touched!
Kerry, Kris, Kyle and Beth Shafer
Theresa Bush (sylvester)
September 13, 2005
Dear Julie and Family,
I am thinking of you. I am thinking of Greg with such fond memories. Although it has been years since we last talked, Greg was such a great guy. I always think of him with that "smirk" of a smile, like something was on his mind but he was smart enough to think before speaking, a lesson lots of us could use. I think you should know also how much his support, and yours for his cause, has brought me peace in trying to make sense of this loss. May your precious memories sustain you all until you are reunited in eternal life. May God's promise of this bring you peace while we wait. Mostly, I am happy that you have had a successful marriage, family, and wonderful husband and friend in Greg. Much love to you all.
swanson family
September 13, 2005
Julie, Jenni, Megan, Peyton - the Fester & Hammond families, we wish we were with you today in Arlington, although we are not there physically, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and everyday. It is hard to understand why things happen the way they do - that is why our faith is so important. Greg is at peace and part of him will be with us all because we were blessed with his friendship.
LTC Bill Bunting
September 12, 2005
We share in the loss of our great friend Greg. A mentor, brother-in-arms, father, and man that we all respected. For 18 years, we have been honored to know Greg and Julie as our friends. Whether visiting eachother at Fort Sill, OK, Westerville,OH or by keeping in touch by email and Christmas cards, Judy and I always have a special relationship with the Fester family. God bless you, Greg, and this great country.
LTC William C. Bunting and family
Dr. James and Beverly Fultz
September 11, 2005
To the Fester and Hammond Families,
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May cherished memories bring you peace.
Sincerely,
Tom Backus
September 10, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Fester and Hammond Families. I just heard the news from my parents and my heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Backus WNHS 1983
Kelley Sheridan (Gossett)
September 10, 2005
Dear Fester and Hammond Families - my sincere condolences to all of you. I was so saddened to hear of this terrible accident. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. My brother-in-law is currently in Iraq - we all pray every night for him.
gladys good
September 9, 2005
read about greg in westerville paper,he is surley a HERO. my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
thank you
gladys good
Dana Gezon
September 9, 2005
To the Family of Greg Fester,
My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy go out to all of you. Greg often stopped in my office at Ottawa County CMH to arrange training for our medical staff. He was always so pleasant, professional, and willing to help us out in any way he could. He will be missed.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to Greg, and to all of you, for this sacrifice in service to his country.
God bless you.
Cathy Noskowiak (Ballard)
September 9, 2005
Julie and family:
Our prayers and thoughts are with you today and always. Greg gave all of us the gift of freedom. Thank you for being supportive of his service. We will hold you close in our hearts.
Cathy and family
Mark Vesser
September 8, 2005
To the family of MAJ Greg Fester,
You are in my prayers. May you find tranquility of soul and peace of mind through the promises of the Word of God. Although we had never met, Greg was a Pfizer colleague and a fellow Army veteran. It is clear from the decription of his commitment to his values that he is a true hero.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Mark
Randy Ruiz
September 8, 2005
Julie, Jenny, Megan, and Peyton:
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of Greg. As Pfizer counterparts in Buffalo and neighbors in Clarence Center, we always enjoyed interacting with Greg on sports, family matters, or just talking shop. We still remember when Peyton was born and our kids playing together in the back yard. We only wish we could be closer to you during this time. May God bless you and the kids, and give you strength to continue moving forward. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Ruiz Family (Randy, Nadine, Rachael and Gabriel)
Rita Pavuk (Vaccari)
September 7, 2005
To the Fester and Hammond Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you for the loss of Greg, an American Hero! My heart, prayers and thoughts are with you all in your time of sorrow.
Karie Sortman
September 7, 2005
Julie and Family,
My heart was so saddened to hear about your incredible loss. Greg called on our office regularly, he was a real asset to Pfizer.
Greg loved you all so much, and would light up "like a Christmas tree" when I asked him about his family. He was so proud of you all. We enjoyed the Army vs Navy banter regularly because all three of my children are active duty Navy Officers. He was proud to serve his country, even though it was so hard for him to leave. We are thankful for his commitment to our country and for the ultimate sacrifce you all paid for our freedom. Please know I will be praying for you all in the days and months to come.
With Kindest thoughts and prayers,
Karie Sortman
Susan Buntrock
September 7, 2005
I was so saddened to see the notice in the NY Times about Greg. He was one of the first people I met upon moving to Westerville and entering Walnut Springs Jr. High in the 7th grade. He always made me feel comfortable and made me laugh. To Julie and his children, I wish you strength and comfort in this very difficult time.
Reginald Ike
September 7, 2005
To the family of Greg Fester,
My deepest sympathies go out to you. I pray that God grants you the strength to endure. I graduated from high school with Greg and will surely miss him and his sense of humor. God Bless all of you.
Reginald Ike
Kim (Buchanan)Wightkin
September 6, 2005
My heart felt sadness goes out to Julie, the kids as well as the Hammond and Fester families. What an honor to have known not only a great human being but a real american hero. I will never forget Greg nor the duty and honor of serving our country. May God bless you all and help Greg watch over you as you fulfill your time on earth. Kim
Margaret Hoffman
September 6, 2005
Dear Family of Greg,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Greg. We were classmates in grade school at Saint Thomas the Apostle Grade School with his father, Bill. Our love to all of you. Sister Margaret Hoffman
Jill Gessner-Reed
September 6, 2005
To the Fester & Hammond families my sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you. May God bless you and be with you. Much love Jill,Mark,Kip Gessner!
Kristin Larkin (Porter)
September 6, 2005
For the Fester and Hammond Families
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. May God Bless You, We will always remember Greg and what he has done for our country.
Kristin Larkin
Westerville, Ohio
Ann Heller
September 5, 2005
Dear Family of Major Gregory Fester,
Please accept the deep, deep sympathy of all of us here in Westerville, Ohio. Our family lived, I still do, in the neighborhood where Greg grew up. It is has always been my joy to see Greg's mother and catch up on how all of you are. How proud she is of all of you. How indebted and grateful we all are for your family's and Greg's supreme sacrifice. Thank you.
My children, Maggie, Matt and Jenni, their spouses and children join me in our feelings of sorrow. We hold you in our hearts and trustingly ask God to sustain and comfort you in your unspeakable loss.
Sincerely,
Ann Heller
Angela Faust
September 5, 2005
To the Fester and Hammond Families,
All of you have been on my mind and in my heart since I heard of this tragic event. I know Greg as an incredible husband, father and one devoted to his entire family. Please know that all of you will continue to be in our prayers.
Mike, Angela, Anna and Caleb Faust
Timra Stump
September 5, 2005
My heart goes out to both Greg and Julie's family. I can't even begin to know the pain you are all feeling. However, I do know that we are a group of very lucky people from Westerville, Ohio and we will always have the greatest support and friendships to help us at any time of need. God bles each of you. Timra
Sharon Greene
September 4, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Fester Family.
My son is also delpoyed to Iraq. You have the condolences from all of the Gratiot Military Support Group.
Terri Weddington
September 4, 2005
To The Fester Family and all those who love him,
Although I had breifly met Greg and his lovely family, it has been in these past several days in conversation with Mindy and Brad that I really feel that I know the man that he is. His family must be so proud of him and the legacy he has left behind. In this time of sorrow, please know that he lives on the the hearts of all who love him. He has set a standard that we should all aim to achieve. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fondly, Fred, Terri,Courtney, and Drew
Jerry Lima
September 4, 2005
Julie and Family,
I worked with Greg as a member of the Ohio State equipment staff in the mid-'80s. He was fun to be around and I enjoyed his company. I have not seen Greg for perhaps 15 years, but managed to keep up with his whereabouts from contacts at the OSU athletic department. I always admired and respected his commitment to his country through the Reserves. I am deeply saddened that he is gone, and my prayers go out to you and the children. God Bless You.
Jerry Lima
Carisa Campanella
September 3, 2005
Dear Fester Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Greg. I was in his Pfizer training class in 1996 - and was always so impressed at how devoted he was to his wife and children - he loved to show us pictures of his family; he would say of his girls, "I got lucky, they look like their Mom!" I saw him many years later after Peyton was born, he proudly showed me that picture too. He was a wonderful, impressive man, truly one of the good ones. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandra Cleveland
September 3, 2005
Dear Fester Family,
We have never met; but Greg spoke of you so often when he called on our office as a Pfizer Rep. When he spoke about his family it was evident that he loved you all!
Greg always had a smile on his face and loved to "razz" one of doctors about him being a Buckeye because that doctor is a Wolverine. He loved to come in dressed in Marroon and Grey attire for lunch for the "Big Game".
All of us in our office are deeply sorry for your lost and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and in the days to come. We will miss him terribly!
Arles Stern
September 3, 2005
To the family and many friends of Greg , I wish to express my sincere sympathy for your loss. Greg was always kind, friendly, respectful, generous, and professional in his work as a pharmaceutical representative. Just as he did in his work in Iraq, he helped many people who were not personally known to him. We will miss his gracious nature and his friendly smile.
Susan and Brian Foley
September 3, 2005
To the Fester Family and the Hammond Family: We are so truly sorry for your terrific loss. You all have been very close in our thoughts and prayers since Greg was called up again and especially during this past week. Please know that our hearts are with you during this tragic time and in the months to come. (I am Tom and MaryEllen Miller's daughter and T.J.'s sister)
Gwendolyn Grayson
September 3, 2005
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Eileen and Bill Jeker
September 3, 2005
Our sincere deepest condolences are extended to the family of another fallen hero from two very grateful Americans. Gregory, may you rest in peace.
Suzanne Thomas
September 2, 2005
To the family of Greg Fester,
We at Muskegon County CMH have always appreciated Greg and Phizer for all of the help they have given to us to care for our indigent clients. We are proud to have known Greg and will miss him. He was very tearful on the day he told us he was leaving for Iraq. He spoke highly of his wife and children. He often talked about watching tennis and how quickly his children were growing. Greg was an honorable man who did his job well. I will pray for your peace and comfort. Be proud of Greg. He is a hero.
Ron Richardson
September 2, 2005
Deepest sympathy to the entire family & friends of Major Festor. Please know this nation is grateful for the years of service and dedication Major Festor committed to the cause of freedom and liberty to all. I can say nothing that will take away the pain and loss you all are so acutely living with, but please know your loved one died a hero in a just and honorable cause.
May God continue to bless and share His limitless grace and love with you now and forever.
In His Name, SSgt. Ron J. Richardson USMC
Kathryn Holzgen
September 2, 2005
Dear Fester Family,
You don't know me, but I want you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. From what I'm reading about Greg in the Press, he was obviously a great husband, father, soldier and man. My heart aches for your loss. Please know that others are thinking of you and praying for God's comfort for you. Greg is a true hero, and he will not be forgotten.
Angela Edwards
September 2, 2005
I would like to extend my deepest condonlences to the family. Although I didn't know him, my boyfriend is currently serving in Iraq with USACAPOC and I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. My heart goes out to you and may God be with you during this difficult time.
judy swanson
September 2, 2005
From the Swanson family - Paul, Judy, Sean, (Kristen & Heather - good friends of Jenni & Megan - we miss you guys!) Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie, Jenni, Megan & Peyton. We miss you all back here in New York especially at this time. We wish we were there to comfort all of you. Greg was such a devoted husband, father, friend & soldier. He will truly be missed. We pray for Greg, as well as the other soldiers and their families.
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