GERALD-PREHN-Obituary

GERALD PREHN

Leesburg, District of Columbia

About

DIED
February 7, 2022
LOCATION
Leesburg, District of Columbia
CHARITY
Alzheimer's Association

Obituary

Send Flowers

PREHN Gerald George Prehn "Jerry" CIA Senior Intelligence Officer Jerry George Prehn, 90, a retired CIA senior intelligence and executive officer in the Directorate of Operations, died February 7, 2022 in Leesburg, VA. Jerry joined the CIA in 1958 and served in a number of senior positions in Washington, DC and abroad in Moscow, Vienna, Munich, London and Ottawa, including as Chief of Station in two postings and subsequently as Chief of the Agency Congressional Liaison Division, and Chief of the National Defector Operations Center. His Moscow assignment (1963-1966) occurred in the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, during the overthrow of Premier Khrushchev, the assassination of President Kennedy and of the signing of the first US - USSR Atomic Energy Agreement in which he participated. He later served with the CIA Office of the Inspector General. His varied assignments entailed traveling to all of the continents. During his thirty-five year career, Jerry received numerous awards for meritorious service and upon retirement was awarded the CIA Distinguished Intelligence Medal. Following his formal retirement, Jerry worked for ten years as an independent contractor for the agency's Operations Directorate. Jerry was a native of Michigan and graduated with honors from the University of Michigan in 1958. During the Korean War, his college education was interrupted by his enlistment in 1951 in the United States Air Force. While still in the Air Force, he attended the University of Syracuse and was certified in the USAFIT intensive Russian language program which served him well in his subsequent roles and assignments with the CIA. He was discharged from the USAF in 1954 with the rank of Staff Sergeant, receiving a superior performance rating. In retirement, Jerry served on a volunteer basis as a docent for the George C. Marshall International Center at Dodona Manor in Leesburg, Virginia. He was also a member of the Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR, Inc.) of Washington, DC. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Florence C. Prehn and Marshall A. Prehn; his brother-in-law Bob Savage; and his brother-in-law Jack Henderson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Shan Savage Prehn, of Leesburg, Virginia; sons Jeffrey M. Prehn and Matthew R. Prehn (Jill) and daughter Elizabeth P. Hogan (Michael). His memory will be forever cherished by those who call him Grandad: Greyson Goodenow, Chance Hogan, Beau Hogan, Jackson Prehn and Shea Hogan. He is also survived by his sisters Marcia Snyder (Duke) and Gayle Henderson; sister-in-law Sue Savage and loving nieces and nephew. The memorial and celebration of the life of Jerry Prehn will be held on Friday, February 18 at 12 p.m. at the River Creek Club, 43800 Olympic Blvd Leesburg, VA. A reception will immediately follow. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer's Association.The memorial and celebration of the life of Jerry Prehn will be held on Friday, February 18 at 12 p.m. at the River Creek Club, 43800 Olympic Blvd Leesburg, VA. A reception will immediately follow. Memorial donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer's Association.

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Our thoughts and love to Shan. Gilda is so sorry not to be there for Jerry´s celebration of Life but send as big hug from Guatemala.

RIP Jerry.