Gregory George Oveson

Gregory George Oveson, a devoted patriot, loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 10, 1935, Gregory lived a full and principled life marked by unwavering service, deep love for family, and remarkable inner strength.

Gregory proudly served in the United States Air Force for 29 years, taking on various demanding roles, including Voice Intercept Processing Supervisor, Command and Control Technician, and Information Refueling Technician with the KC-135 Squadron. Throughout his distinguished career, he was widely recognized for his tireless dedication and leadership. As Lt. Colonel William J. Lynn once wrote, Gregory consistently shouldered responsibilities often reserved for commissioned officers, working sixty-hour weeks and always striving for excellence. His keen judgment, initiative, and drive made him an invaluable asset to every mission and team he served.

In 2005, Gregory met the love of his life, Meiqiong Oveson. The two were married on October 6, 2006, beginning a beautiful partnership built on mutual respect, laughter, and deep companionship. Their 19 years together were filled with shared adventures, quiet joys, and enduring love.

Gregory was also a wonderful father and grandfather—wise, steady, and always ready with a story, a laugh, or gentle encouragement. He found deep joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow, and his legacy lives on in their strength, kindness, and curiosity.

Those who knew Gregory also knew him as a man of tremendous resilience. No matter the pain or hardship he faced, he never complained. When asked how he was doing, he always replied with a smile and the same words: “I’m doing great.” And when saying goodbye or “see you later,” his calm, comforting answer was always: “I will be here.” Those four words, simple but powerful, reflected the heart of who he was—steadfast, dependable, and always present for the ones he loved.

Beyond his service and family life, Gregory was a man of many passions. He loved reading, finding wisdom and escape in books. He also deeply appreciated movies, music, and travel, delighting in the stories, songs, and places that brought the world to life. Whether immersed in a classic film, listening to his favorite tunes, or exploring new destinations, Gregory embraced the beauty and wonder of life with open arms.

In his final days, Gregory, with characteristic grace and clarity, offered one last gift to those he loved: reassurance. He said it was okay to miss him, but not to feel sad for him, because he had lived a good life. With quiet strength, he faced the end not with fear, but with gratitude, content in the love he gave, the life he led, and the peace he had found.

Gregory’s legacy of love, strength, and quiet presence will live on in the lives he shaped and the hearts he steadied. He was always there—and in spirit, he always will be.