Charles "Otto" Jenista Jr.

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Air War College California Institute of Technology

Charles Jenista Obituary

Jenista, Charles "Otto" Jr.
91, passed away December 13, 2015, in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born in Chicago, IL, March 22, 1924, to Charles O. Jenista, Sr. and Clara Nemec Jenista. Otto graduated from River Forest Oak Park High School in 1941. He began his studies at Iowa State the fall of 1941 but was called into the Army December 1942. After being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1944, Otto served in the Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India zone. He returned to college after the war finishing his degree in General Engineering. Otto soon afterwards completed his Master's degree in Meteorology from California Institute of Technology. In 1950, Otto was recalled into the Air Force and made the decision to make it his career. He served in Alaska; at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE; in High Wycombe, England; three tours in Germany; in Viet Nam; at March AFB in Riverside, CA; in the Pentagon, and in IL at Scott AFB. He also attended two military schools: Armed Forces Staff College in VA and Air War College in AL. In 1959, he met his lovely wife, Kaye, in Wiesbaden, Germany where she was working as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force. They had a beautiful life together lasting more than 56 years. Otto retired from the Air Force in 1979 as a Colonel having over 32 years of service. After retirement, he worked for TRW in California for 6 years. He and Kaye then settled permanently in Scottsdale, AZ in 1988. He was active in his church, Saint Barnabas on the Desert, as an usher, as a lay reader, on the Vestry, and as a volunteer in the office. Otto also volunteered at Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Hospital for over 20 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Kaye; his daughter, Suzy Koch; two grandchildren, Darren Koch and Kelly Coracides (and her husband, Dr. Alex Coracides), and two great grandchildren, Tyler and Troy Coracides. Celebration of life will be held at Saint Barnabas on the Desert, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 on January
9, 2015, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley or Saint Barnabas on the Desert. Inurnment with military honors will be held privately at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Jenista

8 Entries

Judy Buehler

January 13, 2016

I am so glad you were a part of our family for all these years! What a great uncle you have been. I remember when my friend and I came to visit you in Germany, we went to some old ruin, and you bumped your head on a low doorway. You took it all in stride as did Kaye when you came home with a bloody head.I feel so lucky to have such cherished memories of you. You are and were loved.

"It is a perfect bond" Colossians 3:14

January 8, 2016

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Suzanne Koch

January 8, 2016

You were the BEST 'daddy' a little girl could ever wish for. Thanks for all the bear hunting in the caves when we would go to the city parks (I didn't know you were kidding until I was older), thanks for shooting my bow and arrow set with our retriever who slobbered all the arrow feathers, and thanks for just being there when I needed you. Love you much, your daughter, Sue

January 7, 2016

Offering my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Loved One. May your Treasured Memories shine through your sorrow. (Matt 5:4-5)

Norm Rauscher

January 6, 2016

Otto was my squadron commander at March AFB when I was a Detco at Rapid City ---in about the 1969-70 time frame -- a mentor, friend, and just all around great guy

January 6, 2016

My husband met Otto in Alaska 1952/53 and I met him when he came to England in 1957. We stayed best friends forever and I saw him in Phoenix two years ago. Our friendship was not based on who worked for whom or on rank. I love the pic which seems to be staring right at me. Tears in my eyes as I think of losing a best friend. We also met Kaye almost as soon as he did and we were their first house guests in Wiesbaden.
Sympathy and love to you Kaye from Louise Gilbert.

Stephen Tuttle

January 5, 2016

Otto will remain in the hearts of so many besides the Tuttle Family. He made an impact on my parents at St. Barnabas from day one, with my sister at Scottsdale South when he was volunteering as well as my wife & children. He was a joy to see smile & laugh in church. While he will be greatly missed, his charming ways will remain with us always. We thank him for his service to our country & his many hours as a volunteer. We are both proud & blessed to know him. To say that he was one of our favorite personalites is an understatement.

Our sincere condolences to you & your family, Kaye.

Susan Tuttle

January 5, 2016

"Well, to what do I owe this pleasure?," said Otto to me, with that inimitable twinkle in his eye, the first time I attended Saint Barnabas and had the great good fortune to sit next to him. As he did that day for me, Otto had a way of making you feel you were the most beautiful, important person in the world. Until, that is, Kaye came into view. Then there could be no doubt who held his eye, his heart, his admiration and his infinite love. Otto's towering humanity, unfailing honorability, and sweet generosity of spirit will be forever remembered and treasured by all of us who were privileged beyond measure to know and love him.

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