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Col. Edgar R. "Gris" Grischkowsky, USAF, Ret., (81) of Austin, passed away at St. David's Hospital on May 29, 2015. Gris was born in American Falls, Idaho on September 16, 1933 to Paulina and David Grischkowsky. He graduated from American Falls High School in 1950 and after two successful years tending to the family farm, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. Shortly after enlistment, Gris was selected to attend pilot training as an Aviation Cadet and was commissioned a 2d Lt. upon earning his wings.
Throughout his colorful 33 year career as a fighter pilot, Gris amassed over 5000 mishap free flight hours in tactical aircraft ranging from the F-86 Sabre to the F-15 Eagle. He completed 206 combat missions in Vietnam and was heavily involved in the initial testing and program development of both the F-15 and F-16 fighter programs. As a graduate of the Air War College, he completed senior staff officer tours as the Director of Operations for the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base Korea; Chief, Operations Inspections, Pacific Air Forces Inspector General, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and the Deputy Operations Officer for 12th Air Force, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. Gris retired from the Air Force in 1984 and spent almost another decade of service as the General Manager of his community's HOA before finally settling down to enjoy retired life as a doting husband, father, and grandfather. Gris was an active member in several Aircraft Societies and was a contributing writer to Sabre Jet Classics.
He is survived by his darling wife of 52 years, Wilma B. Grischkowsky, his daughters Jane and Melissa Grischkowsky, his son, LtCol. Michael R. Grischkowsky, USMC Ret., and his sister Chris Toews. He was also father to his loving daughters in-law Cindy Higgins and Jennifer B. Grischkowsky and proud grandfather to Nicholas, Tyler, and Mason Grischkowsky. He is preceded in death by his parents Paulina and David, his two brothers, Herbert and Emil Grischkowsky, and his son, Martin Grischkowsky.
Memorial services will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, June 5th, 2015 at 3 p.m.
Memorial donations (in lieu of flowers) may be made in Gris's name to the Air Force Aid Society (https://www.afas.org/memorials)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 30, 2015
Larry Huggins
Godspeed my friend. Until we can fly together again.
June 7, 2015
Joe Nevers
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 5, 2015
Brian Danielson
God Bless, Sir. You and those you served with will always be among my personal heroes. Hoped to carry on your legacy in my service, and it was special to get to do so with your son. You raised a good one.
June 5, 2015
Wanda Grischkowsky
Uncle Edgar, I will never forget your kind words and warm welcome you gave the first time we met. I will miss the "check-in" phone calls and all the love you gave me.
You will be in my heart forever.
June 5, 2015
RALPH MELANCON
As young lieutenants at Hamilton AFB, Gris and I flew many times in our supersonic fighters. During our tour we served under 3 Squadron Commanders. Also during these early years of our careers, Gris, myself and our fellow pilots experienced the the ultimate highs and lows of a fighter pilot. Our beloved Commander Lt Col Ray Evans was buried March 8, 1958 after crashing into San Pablo Bay. The highs were as being a jet jockey in the first Squadron to receive the Starfighter , we were the envy of every pilot in the free world. Being strapped to the highest and fastest fighter jet was an experience that most civilian and military pilots only dream about even today. Gris and I lost contact in 1960 when I separated from the Air Force to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. However during these past 55 years I have probably seen his image more than any other person other than his immediate family. In my office is a picture of him and I at Friday night beer call in the Fighter Room. I have 3 more pictures of friends I flew with but sadly they too are deceased. Gris, when we meet again, our flying together will continue. Only this time, we will have our own wings and be able to fly higher, faster and never have to refuel. Tuck It In, Check 6, Break Left. Your Buddy Spike. Capt. Ralph (Spike) Melancon USAF/Delta Air Lines
June 5, 2015
Dear Gris,
You served your country honorably for so many years and your neighborhood as well. We are so fortunate to have had you as our dear neighbor and friend and we shall miss you terribly. God bless.
Our deepest sympathy to Wilma and family.
Beverly and Joel Seffel
June 5, 2015
My sincere condolences in the loss of your beloved.
"The span of our life is 70 years,
Or 80 if one is especially strong."
~ Ps 90:10
However, God promises more - living forever here on earth. ~Ps 37:29
June 4, 2015
Shandra McDowell
Mr Gris-- You were like my second daddy growing up. Not only were you the first one to give a klutzy 13 year old a chance at her first job, you guided us and steered us in the right direction to be successful. We will all miss you here, but know you are in a much better place. Say hello to my momma for me. xoxo
June 4, 2015
Gris my friend. You have slipped the surly bounds of earth and are now touching the face of God.. Till we meet again in Heaven...Miguel.
June 4, 2015
Denise Zuniga
Poppa Gris, it was always a joy and pleasure to be around you! You always kept us laughing! I hope you didn't scare the gatekeepers too badly trying to land in your jet!
June 4, 2015
Pat Oujezdsky
My dear neighbor Gris,
You are indeed a great role model for all of the young folks that can benefit from you just being Gris. A true gentleman, a true U.S. service man, and a wonderful gentleman. Our sincere condolences go out to Wilma and the family.
June 4, 2015
Lisa Goetzman
Uncle Ed, You were and always will be my "Superhero". What an incredible roll model I had growing up! The impact you made in my life is a gift I will cherish always. Heaven has gained a new Angel, who already earned his wings.
June 3, 2015
Ron Liese
Edgar was my boyhood hero and when he buzzed the Liese Pleasant Valley, Idaho farm he stirred my desire to fly. I finally go the opportunity to become a private pilot and all because of Edgar G. Truly a hero in my life. Rest in Peace Fly Boy! Ron Liese
June 3, 2015
Carol Liese-Rodriguez
Wilma, Chris, and kids, My deepest sympathies to you all. I recently corresponded with Ed in many emails and we traded some prized recipes. I sent him some home made German sauerkraut. He and his favorite cousin Bill are catching up I am sure. Paula, Ron, and I remember the time when Ed "buzzed" our house in Pleasant Valley with one of his jets. The chimney on the roof shuddered. We all loved him very much and he is now at home with God's arms wrapped around him. Happy flying Ed and thank you for your service.
June 2, 2015
Jesse Henderson
Gris was a man who loved his family and his country and our beloved United States Air Force. We were blessed to have served in a period of great devotion and Patriotism for all that is America. For all of us who had the Honor of flying the Greatest Fighter Airplanes of our time and fighting to keep us free will remember Ed as an All American Hero. My prayer are with his beloved wife, Wilma and his entire family. God Bless You, Gris. Col. (Ret) Jesse Henderson
June 2, 2015
Andre Williams
Uncle Ed, Growing up you were my hero and Idol. All I could think of was becoming a pilot and a man just like you. Talk about setting high goals! I may have missed out on the pilot part but I still proudly served in our military just like you. I will miss you. I could not have asked for a better role model. Love you Col.
June 2, 2015
Cris Toews
My Big Bro, You have always been my protector and best friend. I will miss you so. My heart has a hole in it. I thank God for giving me the best of the best. Your loving Sis
June 1, 2015
Cindy Higgins
I'll always remember the happy times spent with Gris and family.
The conversations, the experiences shared, the stories told, the songs sung and the many years of friendship.
Rest in peace Gris, you will truly be missed and never be forgotten.
Love always,
Cindy (Hampton, VA)
June 1, 2015
Brian Grischkowsky
I will miss you Uncle Edgar. You are a true American Warrior and to me a Hero. You were larger than life in so many ways, and with what and when you were flying for the Air Force, you really had to be something special. I thank you always for the guidance and love you have shown both Wanda and I. I can never thank you enough for the love you have shown Wanda when you and Uncle Herb welcomed her to the family. You did what I wished my Dad could have done. But his brothers stood solidly in his place. Wanda and I will always love you Uncle Edgar. See you on the drop zone in the final assembly area. "Airborne, All The Way!"
June 1, 2015
Tammy Dietz
I will miss those big bear hugs and the good times we shared even though they were spread out over long periods of time. You were my other dad. I will miss you very much!
May 31, 2015
Carolyn Lancaster
My favorite boy cousin. We grew up together and sort of lost touch upon your entrance into the Air Force, although we celebrated Christmas with you and Wilma in 1963. We reconnected in 2013 and have remained close via e-mail. Those e-mails will be missed as will you. Rest in peace.
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