Bernadette Richards, widow of DL Capt. John William Richards

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Bernadette “Bernie” Richards, widow of DL Capt. John William Richards

August 22, 1935 ~ July 25, 2025

 

After graduating from Beaver Falls High School in 1953, she began her career as a flight attendant with Eastern Air Lines. It was during this time that she met her future husband John Richards, a pilot for Delta Air Lines……

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2016/07/dl-capt-john-william-richards-jr.html

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/bernadette-klepic-richards-obituary?id=59041695

 

Bernadette Klepic Richards Obituary

 

Atlanta - Bernadette Klepic Richards, age 89, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 in Sarasota, FL after suffering a stroke in May.

 

Bernadette was born on August 22, 1935, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Beaver Falls High School in 1953, she began her career as a flight attendant with Eastern Air Lines. It was during this time that she met her future husband, John Richards, a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

The couple initially lived in Atlanta and then Miami before settling permanently in Atlanta in 1970. Bernadette lived there for 50+ years before relocating to Sarasota, Florida, to be near her daughter.

 

An adventurous spirit, Bernadette earned her pilot's license just in case she needed to land the two-seater Christian Eagle stunt plane when she and John flew it across the country.

 

Known for her vibrant personality, Bernadette was always the life of the party. She had many passions throughout her life, including spending time at her cherished lake house on Lake Burton, skiing in the mountains out west, running the Peachtree Road Race with her children, and golfing at Cherokee Country Club-where she proudly made a hole-in-one. She was also famous for her legendary Mickey Mouse pancakes, a favorite among her grandchildren.

 

Bernadette is survived by her two children: daughter Lisa Vogt (John) and son John Richards (Dina), as well as five grandchildren: Allie and Jack Vogt, and Sarah, Charlotte, and Liam Richards.

 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, John Richards.

 

A Funeral Mass and inurnment will be held on August 9, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 675 Riverside Rd, Roswell, Georgia, where Bernadette was a devoted parishioner for over 40 years. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.

 

The family will announce the location of the reception at the conclusion of the Mass. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bernadette's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Relief Fund.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. John William Richards Jr.

July 23, 1934 - July 10, 2016

 

NWA Capt. Albert “Al” Elwood Lahtela

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. Albert “Al” Elwood Lahtela

April 27, 1939 ~ July 19, 2025

 

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend and neighbor to all who knew him.

 

Albert joined Northwest Airlines 08-07-1967.  Widowed in 2018 with the passing of his wife Helen, Albert is survived by many dear family members and friends.  Graveside services with military honors will be held at a later date, along with a celebration of life gathering, details to be advised.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mtairynews/name/al-lahtela-obituary?id=59033923 

 

funeral home website https://www.moodyfuneralservices.com/obituaries/albert-lahtela 

 

 Albert Elwood Lahtela

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the passing of Albert Elwood Lahtela, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend and neighbor to all who knew him. Albert died peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, surrounded by loving family members in the comfort of his home at Arbor Acres Continuing Care Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 86 years old.

Albert was born on April 27, 1939, in the town of Republic in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where his love for country, family, and flight first took root. He went on to live a remarkable life shaped by courage, commitment, and quiet integrity.

Albert was a faithful man with a loving spirit. He proudly served his country as a Navy pilot during the Cold War, specializing in antisubmarine missions – a role that demanded precision, bravery, and a deep sense of duty. His service helped save lives and support fellow servicemembers during one of the most complex periods in American military history.

After completing his military service, Albert began a long and distinguished career spanning more than 30 years with Northwest Airlines, where he rose to the rank of Captain and flew international routes across the globe. He was respected by colleagues and passengers alike for his professionalism, leadership, and calm presence in the cockpit. He retired at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication in the field of aviation.

More than his accomplishments in the sky, Albert was the steady, loving heart of his family. He was married to Helen Faye Lahtela of Mount Airy, North Carolina, his beloved wife of 50 years, and was a proud and devoted father to Matthew James Lahtela and Kari Elizabeth Lahtela. He was also a deeply cherished grandfather to John Buck Lahtela.

Albert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen; his children, Matthew and Kari; his parents, Werner and Lydia Lahtela of Republic, Michigan; his sisters, Dorothy Cox (Gordon Halonen) and Della Monett (Wally), both of Republic, Michigan; his brother-in-law, Richard Southerland of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his sister-in-law, Judith Elizabeth Lahtela of Humboldt, Michigan; and his nephew, Brent Monett of Negaunee, Michigan.

He is survived by his brother, William Ardean Lahtela of Humboldt, Michigan; his grandson, John Buck Lahtela of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Southerland of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is also lovingly remembered by many special nieces and nephews, including Sara Lakanen (Ed) of Ishpeming, Michigan, Susan Beyer (Kurt) of Lena, Wisconsin, and Gina Cupstid (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his special niece and caregiver, Amy Winter (Dr. Michael Winter) of Amelia Island, Florida, whose love and support brought Albert great comfort in his final years. Surviving nephews also include Mark Monett (Barbara) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Clint Monett (Kathy) of Linden, Tennessee, and Jeff Halonen of Republic, Michigan.

Albert brought laughter and comfort to everyone around him. He lived with humility, quiet strength, and an open heart. He loved sharing stories from his flying days, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and found joy in the company of his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, often listening to bluegrass songs while driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway on a sunny spring day or a colorful, crisp fall afternoon.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, honor, and grace – a life well lived, and a man deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date, along with a celebration of life gathering to honor Captain Albert Elwood Lahtela.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation (22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871 or https://donate.brightfocus.org/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/), in recognition of his lifetime of service and compassion.

A special thank you to caregivers Debbie Barnard of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and Lena Shackleford of King, North Carolina, for your loving support and dedication to caring for Uncle Al. Your kindness and care will never be forgotten.

The family also extends their deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Arbor Acres, who cared for “the Captain” for more than five years. Your dedication and loving support will always be remembered and treasured by Al’s family.

With deepest respect, we honor the life and legacy of Captain Albert Elwood Lahtela – forever remembered, forever loved.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy, North Carolina, is serving the family.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

https://www.moodyfuneralservices.com/obituaries/helen-lahtela

Helen Faye Lahtela

May 8, 1942 — September 13, 2018

NWA/DL Capt. Peter Marc Greenfield

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Peter Marc Greenfield

July 11, 1950 ~ June 8, 2025

 

To date, I’ve not been able to locate an online obituary for Captain Greenfield….if anyone has more information to share, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you!

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

Peter joined Northwest Airlines 04-04-1977, and retired with Delta Air Lines based Detroit.

Residence per Whitepages listing:   3682 Tanglewood Ct, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

 

Jonathan Greenfield's Facebook post:

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/205249213145698/user/100009511244710

Great Neck North High School Friends

…posted by Jonathan Greenfield 

To those who knew him I’d like you to know that my brother, Peter Greenfield (GNN ‘68) died this morning. He was a retired Delta Airlines captain and the kindest, most gentle man I knew. He was the salt of the earth and a good and faithful brother to me. I will miss him terribly. He was not sick and died in his sleep.

 

 

DL Capt. Charles Edward Bethel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Charles Edward Bethel

November 1, 1939 ~ July 24, 2025

 

One day during his High School years, he skipped school with one of his best friends to take their first airplane ride for one dollar. Charles discovered his passion for flying while his friend said he would never do that again……

Charles joined Delta Air Lines 02-14-1966 and was Atlanta based.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dottie Medling Bethel, and by his sons and their families. 

Services for Charles will be held August 3rd in the chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia.

PCN memorial site

 

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-bethel-obituary?id=58998175 

also  https://www.westcobbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-bethel 

 

Charles Edward Bethel

Smyrna, GA

Charles Edward Bethel, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at his home in Smyrna, GA on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He was born on November 1, 1939, to Raymond Leon and Mildred Louise Bethel in Greenfield, TN. He was the eldest of four siblings that all grew up and worked hard on the farm in Northwest Tennessee. One day during his High School years, he skipped school with one of his best friends to take their first airplane ride for one dollar. Charles discovered his passion for flying while his friend said he would never do that again.

 

Charles graduated from Greenfield High School and then attended the University of Tennessee at Martin for a time, but then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to become a pilot. He initially was a helicopter pilot and then transitioned to flying planes. During one of his Military leaves he returned home to Greenfield, TN where he met his future wife of 59 years, Dottie Rue Medling, at a local basketball game. Charles served five years in the Marine Corps including serving time in the Vietnam War where he was attached to the HMM-162 squadron and flew the single engine O-1 Bird Dog plane on 68 missions and received two air metals. He also flew helicopter search and rescue missions. After being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain, Charles started a new career as a commercial pilot with Delta Air Lines in Atlanta in 1966. Charles and Dottie were married on July 10, 1966, and initially lived in an apartment in College Park. Charles and Dottie were then blessed with the birth of two sons that stayed close by and still live in the metro Atlanta area today. Charles resumed working on his college degree while working at Delta and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation, Magna Cum Laude, in 1974. The family moved to Smyrna, GA in 1976, which has been Charles and Dottie's home since that time.

 

Charles worked at Delta Airlines for 33 years as a domestic and international pilot, and as a flight instructor that trained and air-checked other Delta pilots. He was in the first class of pilots to fly the new Boeing 767 airplane, and he flew one of the first 767s delivered to Delta from Seattle to Atlanta. In addition, noteworthy during his career, he was selected to escort Air Force One with President Jimmy Carter by flying the White House Press Corps. His favorite plane to fly at Delta was the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. Charles was very close with his fellow pilots that were in the B-66 training class when he started at Delta.

 

Charles was not only a great aviator and military soldier, he was a consummate husband, father, brother, and friend to many. Charles was always caring and looked after many in his family, including his loving wife, and two very energetic sons. Charles was a member of Burnt Hickory Church of Christ (originally Smyrna) since 1976 with a servant's heart. Charles and his family cherished many life-long friends from Church, many of whom were able to surround him with love and shared memories the day before his peaceful passing at home.

 

Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dottie Medling Bethel; two sons, Jeffrey William (Jennifer) Bethel, Marietta, GA, and Christopher Michael Bethel, Kennesaw, GA; two brothers, Billy Jo (Sandra) Bethel, Greenfield, TN, and Johnny Mack (Dawn) Bethel, Greenfield, TN; three grandchildren, Emma Louise Bethel (Chris), Caroline Bethel and Luke Bethel (Jeff), and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Doris Ann Bufford, his parents, and his stepmother, Mrs. Ruth.

 

Funeral Services will be at 3:30pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia, and the Family will receive friends and family starting at 2pm. Charles will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, August 4, 2025, promptly at 11am at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations may be made to Georgia Agape at www.georgiaagape.org

 St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org , or Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ 

 

 

PAA/DL Capt. David R. Albert

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, PAA/DL Capt. David R. Albert

November 23, 1935 – January 13, 2025

 

A dedicated serviceman, accomplished pilot, lifelong adventurer, and cherished family man, David lived a life full of purpose, discovery, and quiet joy…..David joined Pan American Airways 02-08-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines based NYC/031.  He is survived by his wife Joyce.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.thearknewspaper.com/live/david-r-albert 

 

 David R. Albert passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 89. A dedicated serviceman, accomplished pilot, lifelong adventurer, and cherished family man, David lived a life full of purpose, discovery, and quiet joy.

 

Born in Riverside, California, David graduated from Riverside High School before attending UCLA on a U.S. Navy scholarship. He went on to serve with distinction as a Naval aviator, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Stationed at Barber’s Point, Hawaii, with squadron VR-21, David flew missions across the Pacific and retired from active duty in 1964.

 

In 1965, David launched a long and storied career with Pan American World Airways. From 1968 to 1988, he was based in Berlin, Germany, piloting international routes across the globe and volunteering for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) flights into Vietnam. He later joined Delta Airlines in 1991, continuing to fly until his retirement in 2003.

 

David’s passion for aviation extended far beyond the cockpit. He mentored a young aspiring pilot, Eric Chayet, generously sharing his time, experience, and insight. What began as guidance grew into a lifelong friendship-a reflection of David’s generosity and the deep connections he nurtured throughout his life and career.                                                                                                        •

 

In 1992, David married Joyce Bell, and together they made their home in Tiburon, California. Their house, nestled beside open space, brought David endless joy as he watched deer, coyotes, and birds from the windows. He was a fun-loving and devoted husband, a deeply cherished stepfather to Marc Malnekoff (Julie), Mara Malnekoff (Gregg), and Marnie Malnekoff, and a proud grandfather to Beck and Avi Franklin.

 

David and Joyce shared a deep passion for travel, journeying together to far-flung destinations including the Galapagos Islands, Tonga, and even riding the rails from Beijing to Moscow. In 2008, they embarked on a memorable round-the-world cruise­ just one of many adventures that defined their life together.

 

A nature lover at heart, David frequently hiked with local groups, reveling in the beauty of the outdoors. He was also an active and engaged member of his community, joining the Rotary Club of Tiburon and serving as its president from 2009 to 2010. He volunteered with the Broom Busters of Tiburon, helping to remove invasive plants and preserve the natural landscape he so loved.

 

David had a deep love for music. He played the guitar and had a beautiful singing voice that brought joy to those around him. Whether entertaining friends or simply strumming at home, his music was a source of connection and comfort. He continued to play well into his 80s, his voice and guitar remaining steady companions throughout the years.

 

A lifelong learner, David’s curiosity knew no bounds. At age 60, he took up karate, eventually earning his 4th-degree black belt by 74-a testament to his discipline, humility, and inner strength. He was also fluent in several languages, including Spanish, German, and French-a talent he began developing in school and honed throughout his years abroad. His multilingualism allowed him to connect effortlessly across cultures and left a lasting impression on those who met him.

 

David will be remembered for his deep sense of service, his adventurous spirit, his boundless curiosity, and the love he gave so generously to his family and community. His was a life well-lived-rich with meaning, filled with laughter, and marked by quiet strength. He leaves behind memories that will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

DL Capt. Joseph Hyde Pratt III

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. Joseph Hyde Pratt III

July 7, 1955 — July 20, 2025

 

A graduate of Ripon College, Joe went on to flight school and served as a Navy pilot, flying P-3s and working with the Dutch Navy. After his military service, he became a commercial airline pilot with Delta Airlines, where he worked for over three decades. Known to many as “Captain Joe,”……………………………Joe joined Delta Air Lines 11-21-1986.  He is survived by his wife Lori, and by his children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on September 13^th in Nottingham, New Hampshire.

PCN memorial site

 

https://obits.csnh.com/joseph-pratt 

Joseph Hyde Pratt

Captain Joseph Hyde Pratt III, 70, passed away peacefully early in the morning on July 20th just two weeks after his birthday, at his home in Nottingham, New Hampshire. In the last weeks of his life, he was surrounded by loved ones. One of the last things he said was, “I know how lucky I am.”

 

He was born on July 7, 1955, in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Dr. Joseph Pratt and Hazel Hausman Pratt. The friends he shared childhood with called him Joey. He mostly went by Joe, but throughout his life, he bore several monikers.

 

Joe was the husband of Lori Pratt. They were married on September 12, 1980, in Jacksonville, Florida. Their love story began while Joe was serving as a Navy pilot, Lori liked to say it was “lust at first sight,” and that he was irresistible in uniform. Together, they built a life across cities and continents, eventually settling in New Hampshire to raise their family.

 

A graduate of Ripon College, Joe went on to flight school and served as a Navy pilot, flying P-3s and working with the Dutch Navy. After his military service, he became a commercial airline pilot with Delta Airlines, where he worked for over three decades. Known to many as “Captain Joe,” he made a lasting impression on colleagues and passengers alike.

 

Joe was a man of extraordinary physical talent, relentless curiosity, and a deeply rooted moral compass. An Eagle Scout and competitive athlete in his youth, he pursued adventure throughout his life, skiing, marathon running, mountaineering, barefoot waterskiing, kite surfing, ice climbing, and more. Any of his many activities captured in photos showed him with a wide grin and a glint of mischief. He climbed Denali, the tallest mountain in the United States, and went on to touch the top of the world when he summited Mount Everest.

 

He had a knack for anything he put his mind to, fixing what was broken, transforming his home landscape into an oasis, or picking up new hobbies with enviable skill. This came across in his ability to make anything feel possible. He taught countless people how to swim, dive, and waterski. At the summer camp his daughter ran, the children affectionately called him “Captain Tyin’ Knots.” He showed them how to build fires, set up tents, dress wounds, and of course, tie knots.

 

Joe was a devoted Rotarian for over 30 years, serving as president of his local club for part of that time and as District Governor. He was drawn to the service, community, and integrity that Rotary embodied.

 

His commitment to his family and his willingness to grow through them was perhaps his most remarkable quality. In his later years, he found unexpected joy in an artistic community in Nice, France, forming deep friendships with people who, while very different from him, were no less charmed and amazed by his incredible feats and his playful nature. As he softened with time, he embraced the beauty of music, the wonder of solstice nights, and the creative spirit of his children.

 

In recent years, Joe and Lori began spending winters in Bradenton, Florida, where they built yet another vibrant community. Joe could often be found leading sunset excursions on the boat, organizing taco parties with live music, and bringing people together through celebration, storytelling, and joy. True to form, he left a lasting impression, not just through his accomplishments, but through the way he made people feel.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lori; his daughter, Katrina and her husband Bryce; his son Joey and his wife Jen; his sisters Judy and Lisa and their spouses; many loving nieces and nephews; and his grandchildren, Linden, Nika, and Kieran, who called him “Bo.”

 

A celebration of life will be held on September 13th, 2025 at the family’s home in Nottingham, New Hampshire from 2-4pm. Friends and family will gather to scatter his ashes, share stories, laugh, cry, and honor the incredible man he was.

DL Capt. William Dennis “Bill” Hirneise

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. William Dennis “Bill” Hirneise

October 1, 1941 — July 5, 2025

 

After the Navy, Bill flew for Delta Air Lines for 31 years, receiving special commendation for his performance during a hijacking to Cuba in 1981. Upon retirement in 2001, he dedicated his life to two things: his grandkids and his golf game……

Bill joined Delta Air Lines 02-13-1970 and was Dallas based.  Widowed in 2021, he is survived by his sons and their families.  A celebration of Bill’s life will be held August 1st at the Geo. J. Carroll Funeral Home in Gainesville, Texas.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.geojcarroll.com/obituaries/william-hirneise

Bill Hirneise

Lake Kiowa, Texas

William Dennis Hirneise passed quietly in his sleep on July 5, 2025, joining his beloved wife, Linda, who preceded him in death in 2021. Born on October 1, 1941, in Lima, OH, he was 83 years old. Bill is survived by his sons, Rich Hirneise and his wife, Ammy, and Bart Hirneise and his wife, Robyn; his grandchildren, Will Hirneise, Alec Hirneise, Maddy Hirneise, Emma Hirneise, and Dylan Hirneise; and his sisters, Lynda Makley and Carol Rable.

 

Bill grew up in Lima, Ohio, where he graduated from St. Gerard Catholic School. He later earned a degree in finance from The Ohio State University. After college, Bill joined the Navy, became a pilot, and flew S-2s off the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War.

 

While in naval flight training in Corpus Christi, TX, he met the love of his life, a first-year teacher named Linda Hatcher. The two were married on Coronado Island, CA, in 1967, and spent 53 happy years together.

 

After the Navy, Bill flew for Delta Air Lines for 31 years, receiving special commendation for his performance during a hijacking to Cuba in 1981. Upon retirement in 2001, he dedicated his life to two things: his grandkids and his golf game.

 

While he never mastered that “perfect little draw,” Bill did perfect the art grandfathering. Baba—who later morphed into Bob—would spend hours taking the grandkids tubing, for golf cart rides to the candy store, and on adventures to “the wild area,” aka the Kiowa washouts.

 

A great conversationalist, Bill could talk the ear off a can of corn. Always opinionated, sometimes controversial, he kept every conversation interesting. He also had a knack for giving good, steady advice (whether it was needed or not), which helped his sons—and many of their friends—grow into their best selves.

 

Bill and Linda loved to travel. From taking the whole Hirneise crew to Destin each year to traveling with the infamous Margarita Group, he loved seeing the world. Secretly though, we think his favorite trip each year was attending the Senior Hickman Invitational golf tournament organized by his best friend, Jim Hickman.

 

A wonderful dad, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend to so many, Bill’s life is remembered through the people and lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the memories, the lessons, and above all, the love he had for his family.

 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Geo. J. Carroll Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke & Fannin Counties if so inclined.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/226310826/linda-lou-hirneise

Linda Lou Hatcher Hirneise

Birth         20 Feb 1943

Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas

Death        23 Apr 2021 (aged 78)

NWA Capt. Lynn Dean Freed

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Lynn Dean Freed    

January 19, 1937 ~ October 5, 2020

 

As noted in the most recent issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of NWA Capt. Lynn D. Freed…..

I think Lynn probably first flew for North Central Airlines, made the merger with Republic, and retired with Northwest Airlines. 

If anyone has more information to add, we welcome your feedback.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.osheimschmidt.com/obituary/lynn-freed 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216447013/lynn-d-freed

Lynn D. Freed

Birth         19 Jan 1937

Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa

Death        5 Oct 2020 (aged 83)

Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota

 

Lynn D. Freed, 83, passed away Monday, October 5, 2020 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.

 

Lynn was born January 19, 1937 in Eldora, Iowa, the youngest child of Leo and Mabel (Danger) Freed.

 

He graduated from Eldora High School in 1955. He married Sharon Mersman from New Providence, Iowa on June 23, 1957 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He flew commercial for eight years before flying for the airlines. He retired September 1, 1992 from Northwest Airlines after 27 years. He enjoyed traveling and riding his motorcycle.

 

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, their 4 children and their spouses,5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

 

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Rimrock Church (out back in the Meadow)

Burial will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pacific/RW/NWA Capt. Roger Alvin Coursey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, Pacific/RW/NWA Capt. Roger Alvin Coursey

February 4, 1934 ~ July 19, 2025

 

After 6 years in the Air Force, he joined Pacific Airlines in San Francisco as a commercial pilot. After several mergers, he retired from Northwest Airlines, now a part of Delta, in 1994, after 32 years of service…..Roger joined Pacific Airlines 06-8-1962.  He is survived by his long-term companion Tommie Jean Echols, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Roger-Coursey also

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/roger-coursey-obituary?id=58919608

 

Roger Coursey Obituary

Mr. Roger A. Coursey, age, 91, of Peachtree City, GA., passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at his residence in Georgia, surrounded by his family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Memorial Park South Funeral Home in Flowery Branch, from 3pm until 4:30pm.

Mr. Coursey was born on February 4, 1934, near Camargo, Oklahoma to the late Elzie Roy Coursey and Erma Mae DeMoss.

He graduated from Camargo High School and Oklahoma State University. He proudly served his country during the Korean War by serving in the United States Air Force. He trained as a pilot and flew C124 cargo flights from California to Tokyo, Japan and to Bangkok, Thailand, island hopping across the Pacific Ocean, including flying cargo into Bikini Atoll during the Hydrogen Bomb testing there. After 6 years in the Air Force, he joined Pacific Airlines in San Francisco as a commercial pilot. After several mergers, he retired from Northwest Airlines, now a part of Delta, in 1994, after 32 years of service.

Mr. Coursey was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his 2 brothers, Burl and Cecil Coursey.

He is survived by his long-term companion, Tommie Jean Echols of Peachtree City, GA.; his daughters, Debora (Debbie) Coursey-Prah (Martin), of Gainesville GA.; Bonnie Coursey, of Galt, CA.; Patricia Compton (Chris), of Coos Bay, OR.; his sons, Mark Coursey (Christie) of Powder Springs, GA.; and Jason Coursey of Smyrna, GA.; as well as 6 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to one's favorite veterans' charity.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

WA/DL Capt. John Allen Hemminger

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. John Allen Hemminger

June 30, 1942 ~ June 29, 2025

 

Just one day shy of his birthday…...John joined Western Airlines 06-06-1972 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He was based SLC and then CVG in the years up to his retirement.  John is survived by his wife, Svetlana, and by his five children, and his seven grandchildren.

PCN memorial site

https://www.pauleyjones.com/obituaries/john-hemminger 

JOHN ALLEN HEMMINGER, 82, of Lutz, FL [formerly of Harlan, Iowa].

 

John A. Hemminger, 82, was born in Center Township, Shelby County, Iowa, to his parents Anna Pauline and John M. Hemminger at their home on a farm east of Harlan. John was the youngest of four children, Donna, Ronald, and Charlene, who grew up learning a plethora of skills that would serve him well throughout his life. John attended a one-room school located two miles from his home until the 8th grade. He then attended Harlan High School making all-state in football, wrestling, choir, and serving as a state Future Farmers of America (FFA) officer for two consecutive years, as well as being an exceptional student graduating in 1960. Beginning at a young age working on the farms with his family and learning life lessons, he relished agricultural life in the 1950s and '60s before large-scale farming took hold. Individually, at the age of 16, he cared almost exclusively for the family's century farm in Iowa Township, Crawford County, east of Manilla, Iowa, utilizing only a 1940s Farmall "H" tractor which he eventually traded in 1976 for a Farmall "Super M", owning that tractor for 49 years which served as the workhorse of his farming enterprise.

 

Encouraged by his parents, John attended the Iowa State Teacher's College (now the University of Northern Iowa), graduating with a double major in math and accounting in 1964. Also that same year he was united in marriage to Margery H. Dobler with whom he had four children: John P., Sara, Kathryn, and Timothy. His next endeavor included working with the Price Waterhouse accounting firm in Chicago, Illinois, until he elected to join the Air Force where he served with distinction as a surveillance plane pilot. The next stop in his career was as a pilot for Western Airlines until they were acquired by Delta Air Lines where he flew until his retirement as captain of a Boeing 767, although his favorite plane was the Boeing 727 aircraft.

 

John was united in marriage to Svetlana Bykhanova in 1995, having another daughter: Anna. John loved to travel and could be found pulling his family around the world to see historical sights and experience immersion in cultures different from our own. Throughout his life, he maintained and built upon the family farming enterprise, acquiring land in South Dakota while retaining his beloved Iowa farms and the family-built farmhouse. John taught his children the meaning of a good day's work, excellence in all endeavors, and the value of an education. John was always a problem-solver, as his profession demanded, carrying those lessons into retirement to assist his family looking forward into the future.

 

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, many of whom had been by his side for nearly eighty years. John is survived by his wife, Svetlana, his five children, and seven grandchildren, his brother-in-law, Tom Johns, as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family members. After a celebration of life, his interment at the Harlan Cemetery next to his parents was his final wish, soaring into the great beyond on his next flight home.

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214483787/john-allen-hemminger

John Allen Hemminger

Birth         30 Jun 1942

Death        29 Jun 2025 (aged 82)

Lutz, Pasco County, Florida, USA

Burial        Harlan Cemetery

Harlan, Shelby County, Iowa, USA

NC/RC/NWA Capt. Douglas Murlin Olson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NC/RC/NWA/DL Capt. Douglas “Doug” Murlin Olson

March 14, 1947 - June 1, 2024

 

From friends and colleagues, we have learned of Doug’s passing…..please forgive this belated notice as we’ve just been able to find the online obituary.  Doug first flew for North Central Airlines hire date 05-17-1979, made the mergers to Republic and Northwest, and may have retired just prior to the Northwest Airlines & Delta Air Lines merger. 

Doug is survived by his wife Marti, and by his children and grandchildren along with many dear friends and airline colleagues.

PCN memorial site

 

To view the obituary and photos, and share online memories, please visit    

https://everloved.com/life-of/douglas-olson/obituary/ 

Douglas's obituary

Douglas Murlin Olson was born on March 14, 1947, to Murlin and Edna Olson of rural Paynesville, Mn. In this rural landscape he learned of blizzards, baling hay, water skiing and playing with cousins and neighbors. His gifts and talents developed through attending a one room school, Nordland church choir and Paynesville High School. By the time he went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis he was a handsome, intelligent young man with a wonderful bass voice. Singing in the Augsburg Choir was his pride, giving him deep friendships and a love of music that lasted a lifetime.

 

His graduation, in the midst of the VietNam conflict, brought serious choices. He found Naval Aviation very appealing. He flourished in training, graduating at the top of his class. Soon he was flying an A-4 fighter plane and landing on, what he called, a postage stamp in the ocean. His precision brought him through many missions resulting in the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and several Air Medals. Meanwhile, in his letters home, he said he hadn’t seen much action.

 

His love of flying led him to a career with North Central, Republic, Northwest and Delta Airlines. It also led him to the love of his life. He met Marti in March of 1984 and knew the best thing had just happened to him. They were married on December 5, 1984, at Nordland Church. A couple decades of balancing schedules and raising children brought them to retirement in Burnt Store Marina near Punta Gorda, Florida. Outside their home the sailboat Tara, their shared dream, was ready for adventure at home and in the Bahamas. A better team you could not find. Doug’s love of precision found a perfect outlet in sailing. There was navigation and the opportunity to show loving care of a vessel they depended upon.

 

Death came too soon for Doug, yet it had knocked on the door several times. In 2018 he was walking down a street in San Francisco, having attended the opera the night before. He experienced sudden cardiac arrest. Instead of letting death have its way, Jessica, a stranger soon to be a beloved angel friend, resuscitated him. He was recalled to life and was grateful every day for the chance to enjoy friends, family and see that angel in his home.

 

In 2021, jaw pain turned out to be tonsil cancer. He beat that beast, but the treatment changed his life. He still hoped to regain his full bass voice, and his love of fine food and a good martini, but he was so tired. Doug and Marti carried on as a loving team. On May 31 he was hospitalized for an infection. They soon discovered that he had been fighting aggressive leukemia. On June 1, around sunset, he died.

 

He is survived by the love of his life, Marti, his children Lori Anders (Eric), Lisa Olson, Mark Olson (Katie), his grandchildren, Finn, Evy, Lilah, Keegan, Eyana, Elisea, sisters, Colleen Vinkemeier and Patty Crawford, his brother in laws Tommy and Arty Guffin, and hundreds of friends.

 

It is almost an unbearable loss. However, we know that Doug was a man of precision, timeliness and great love. He was a quiet hero. By example he taught the joy of living and the excitement of the next adventure. He would not have left his crew if he thought we were not ready. He lives with the saints in light and is busy giving the gates of heaven an extra polish and stowing the lines that some fisherman left lying about. He knows we will be there soon.