Fred J. Christensen

84, formerly of Watertown & Wayland, died Tuesday April 4, 2006 in the Beaumont of Northborough. He leaves three daughters, Diane L. Haagensen of East Falmouth, Elaine L. Dauphinee of Upton and Janine R. Christensen of Wayland; two grandsons, Erik D. Haagensen of Atlanta, GA and Dana R. Haagensen of Tewksbury; two great-grandchildren, Jack and Melinda Haagensen of Tewksbury; nieces and nephews. He was born and raised in Watertown, son of Frederik and Ruth (Rogeberg) Christensen and lived in Wayland for many years. He graduated from Watertown High School and also attended Harvard, M.I.T. and Boston University School of Music. As a Fighter Ace, Fred flew P-47 Thurderbolts during W.W. II with Hub Zemkes Wolf Pack (56th Fighter Group). As a Colonel, he served as Base Commander in the Air National Guard at Logan International Airport from 1948 to 1961. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford from 1961 to 1971. Fred was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Silver Star and The Air Medal. He was a member of the American Fighter Aces Association, Massachusetts Aviation Historical Society, P-47 Pilots Association, the 56th Fighter Group Association and the Daedelian Flight Aero Squadron 1638 at Hanscom Air Force Base. He was an Honorary Member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery in Boston. Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 7th from 4-7 PM in the Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., (Rte. 20), NORTHBOROUGH. A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on Monday, April 10th at 12:30 PM in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Community Activities Fund, Beaumont of Northborough, c/o Kathy Beauget, 238 West Main St., Northborough, MA 01532 or to your local homeless veterans association. For online directions and guestbook, please visit our website at: www.haysfuneralhome.com.