NWA Capt. Robert L. MELLO

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Robert L. MELLO

November 8, 1924 - February 25, 2020

Notification with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Captain Robert Louis Mello, age 95.  I believe Captain Mello first joined Northwest Airlines 01-07-1948 as a mechanic, worked control and was a flight engineer, and retired as a Captain with Northwest.  Widowed six years ago with the passing of his wife Lucille, Captain Mello is survived by his children plus his grand- and great grandchildren.

Obituary information may be viewed online at

https://www.everhere.com/us/obituaries/wi/roberts/robert-mello-10474628?utm_expid=.RtQ1vlSiRmeNbIxRImrXHw.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F 

Also at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary.aspx?n=robert-mello&pid=195560640

Services are planned for March 5 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson, WI.

For those wishing to contact the family, whitepages shows the most recent address as

1320 Wisconsin St.,  Hudson, WI 54016.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary…………. Robert MELLO   (1924 – 2020)

Retired Northwest Airlines Pilot Age 95 of Roberts, WI died Feb. 25, 2020 Served US Navy during WWII. Bob married Lucille Capaul on October 28, 1950. Survived by children Michael Carr, Judy (Ted) Schieffer, Janis (Donald) Bock, Colleen (Steve) Anderson, Roxanne (Bob) Rapp, Pamela (Jerry) Katner, Brian Mello, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grand children, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; his son, Robert Jr.; sisters, Theresa and Eleanor; brother, Bernard; and granddaughter, Tonya Schieffer.

Funeral Mass 11AM Thurs. March 5, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, WI. Vis: one hour prior to Mass at church.

Wife Lucille……. 1921-2014

MELLO, Lucille C., nee: Capaul age 92, of Roberts, WI died peacefully surrounded by her family on Fri., Jan. 17, 2014. Born on July 12, 1921, the daughter of Mathais and Clementine Capaul. Graduate of North St. Paul High School. She was united in marriage to Robert Mello on Oct. 28, 1950. They were blessed with 8 children. Lucille enjoyed gardening, reading, puzzles, cooking, making applesauce, spending time with her family, and traveling; Lucille and Robert visited every state but two. Her greatest pleasure was her large family. She took great pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Lucille had a big heart and enjoyed hosting family for spaghetti dinners at the family farm, the Flying M Ranch, in Roberts, WI. Lucille will forever remain in the hearts of her husband of 63 years, Robert; her children: Michael Carr, Judy (Ted) Schieffer, Janis (Don) Bock, Colleen (Steve) Anderson, Roxanne (Bob) Rapp, Pamela (Jerry) Katner, and Brian Mello; 14 grandchildren: Chauntel Simon, Camilla (Ryan) Johanson, Matthew Schieffer, Joshua Bock, Phillip Bock, Lucas Bock, Ryan Anderson, Steven (Cait) Anderson, Justin Rapp, Aaron (Laura) Rapp, Laura Rapp, Michael Katner, Melissa Katner, Mitchell Katner; 8 great-grandchildren: Zackary Tronrud, Brintton Simon, Colton Simon, Nickolas Tronrud, Adeline Simon, Elliana Johanson, Milena Johanson, and Logan Rapp. P

NWA Col. (ret.) John Lincoln Bush

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Col. (ret.) John Lincoln Bush

June 15, 1950 ~ February 24, 2020

Notification with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Col. John Lincoln Bush, age 69.  I believe ret. Col. Bush joined Northwest Airlines 09-20-1999.  He is survived by his wife Emilie ‘Lili’ plus his children and their families.

Obituary information may be viewed online at 

https://obits.nwfdailynews.com/obituaries/nwfdailynews/obituary.aspx?n=john-lincoln-bush&pid=195528273

For those wishing to contact the family, whitepages lists the most current address as

3508 Stearman Lane, Crawford, CO 81415.

If more is learned, we will then pass along that information.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary…………… Col. John Lincoln Bush

Colonel (Ret.) John Lincoln Bush, born June 15, 1950 in Ames, Iowa, died February 24, 2020 in Crawford, Colorado. John was the eldest child of United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel John Earl Bush and Audrey Lorraine Bush (Folsom) of Ames, Iowa. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering; Troy State University in 1979 with a Master of Science in Management; and was a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 1983. A pilot to his very core, John logged over 14,500 hours of flight time through his work over 27 years in the Air Force, and then with Northwest Airlines, the National Test Pilot School, Eclipse Aviation, and the Civil Service. His work as an airline pilot and USAF fighter/trainer/transport and test pilot kept him flying, which he loved. One of his greatest joys was being a flight instructor at the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. He was universally recognized as an excellent instructor, earning the David B. Barnes Outstanding Flight Instructor Award four times. His impact mentoring the next generations of test pilots has been felt over four decades. He was a member of the following organizations as another means to follow his passion to fly: Quiet Birdmen, Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Society of Experimental Test Pilots - Associate Fellow, United States Parachute Association and the Order of Daedalians.

He was also passionate about the outdoors, enjoying camping, backpacking, fishing, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors wherever the Air Force took him. John was active in the Boy Scouts of America in his youth, achieving Eagle Scout, and was a Scout Master when his son was in the Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his wife Emilie 'Lili' Chaudron Bush (Howard) and his children and their families – John Blaine Bush and Dimity Margaret Podger of Woonona, New South Wales, Australia and their sons William Rowan Bush and Owen John Bush; Rietta Katherine McCain (Bush) and Brian Sean McCain of Eagle, Idaho and their daughters Rietta Cordelia McCain and Dorothy Lilianne McCain – as well as his sisters, Megan Ann Million (Bush) and her husband Michael Dennis Million of Crestview, Florida and Leigh Sinclair of Denver, Colorado. John was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jay Folsom Bush and Jed Lee Bush.

John's family appreciates the loving and compassionate care provided him by Dr. Helen Goldberg and the staff of the Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center and the nurses and staff of Hope West Hospice: Lori, Carol, Cheryle, Richard, Tamara, and Micaela.

Services celebrating John's life were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 29th at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Delta, Colorado, with the Reverend Larry Bradford presiding and the Reverend Reese Riley preaching. There will also be a celebration in Tehachapi, California in the spring of 2020.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in John's memory to:

EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc - General Scholarship Fund

PO Box 3816

Oshkosh, WI 54903-3816

(800) 236-1025

https://eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationform

-or-

Hope West Hospice

3090 North 12th Street #B

Grand Junction, CO 81506

(970) 241-2212

https://www.hopewestco.org/memorial-gifts/

-or-

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

PO Box 724

Delta, CO 81416

(970) 874-9489

NWA Capt. Albert ‘Bert’ Sisler

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Albert ‘Bert’ Sisler

September 8, 1923 ~ November 12, 2019

This news received from the RNPA, word with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Capt. Albert Mason Sisler, age 96.  Captain Sisler joined Northwest Airlines 07-13-1953.  He is survived by his wife Barbara, his children plus grand- and great grandchildren.  Obituary information may be viewed online at

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/204765854/albert-mason-sisler 

Also at http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000335124/

For those wishing to contact the family, whitepages lists their most recent address as

9220 Chicago Ave S.,  Minneapolis, MN 55420.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary…………. Captain Bert Sisler, age 96, passed away November 12, 2019 at home with his wife by his side. Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota the son of Clifford and Ella (Mills) Sisler. From his earliest years he had an inquiring mind with a strong bent toward science.

   Being born in 1923 made Bert a prime candidate for military service during WWII. He served proudly as a pilot in the Army Air Corps.

   After WWII Bert was one of thousands of veterans who returned to the University of Minnesota where in 1948, he completed a BS degree in mechanical engineering and business in 1948. He was employed in Minneapolis/St. Paul until hired Northwest Airlines as a pilot on July 13, 1953. Bert flew almost the entire linage of NWA aircraft assigned to the line during his 33-year career. Partly because part of his career he worked for Paul Soderlind in flight test and engineering. Many of us who flew with Bert at NWA marveled at his inquiring, scientific mind. He was highly skilled at explaining the rational behind the procedures we used to fly NWA airplanes. There was almost no technical aspect of our airplanes that Bert could not make interesting. Bert put aside his NWA uniform in September 1983.

   His airline retirement hardly implied his end of flying. Much of his life passion was flying and aviation, not surprising Bert became a founding member, and first president, of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 25. The chapter's home is now housed in the BSAEC (Bert Sisler Aviation Education Center) at Airlake Airport in Lakeville, MN. Bert personally designed some unique experiment aircraft and himself constructed three experimental class airplanes: the Pipit, the Whistler, and the Cygnet. To the extent his health permitted, Bert could be found wandering the grounds of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh late in July.

   Bert also enjoyed sailing, camping, and working on his many projects. He was passionate about his church - singing in the choir, volunteering for many church projects and was also an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and other causes. He was an honorable man whose work ethic, vitality, sense of humor and example will be missed by all who loved him and were lucky enough to know him.

   Preceded in death by his son Brian. Survived by his wife Barbara, son Eric, daughter Katy, stepsons Bob Bussey, Paul Bussey, Jim Bussey, stepdaughter Cheryl Hoyum; 16 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. Bert was interned at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

DL CAPT. EDWIN ‘ED’ DONALD USELMANN

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL CAPT. EDWIN ‘ED’ DONALD USELMANN

February 17, 1937 ˜ February 11, 2020

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Capt. Ed Uselmann, age 82.  Captain Uselmann joined Delta Air Lines 12-21-1961 and retired with Delta in November 1996, based 030/PDX at time of retirement.  He is survived by his wife Nancy, his children and grandchildren, plus many other extended family members.

Obituary information may be viewed online at

https://obits.columbian.com/obituaries/columbian/obituary.aspx?n=edwin-donald-uselmann-ed&pid=195494810&fhid=14124

For those wishing to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family residence in Washington as

35601 NE 251st Ave.,  Yacolt, WA 98675.

Obituary notes that inurnment will be in Washington state later on this summer.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary…………….CAPTAIN EDWIN ‘ED’ DONALD USELMANN

Captain Edwin ”Ed” Donald Uselmann departed this life and went to be with Our Lord on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Surprise (Phoenix), Arizona. He was 82 years old. Beside him was his loving wife of 44 years, Nancy.

Ed was born in 1937 (the 5th of 7 children) to the late Paul Sr. and Theresa Uselmann in Madison, Wisconsin. Ed’s siblings included: Paul d. (Joan) Uselmann, Tom d. (Kim d.) Uselmann, Russell d. (Beverly) Uselmann, Marie (LaVern) Weisensel, Eileen d. (Ken d.) Bauer, and Michael Uselmann.

Ed’s strong work ethic began at a very early age when he delivered newspapers and worked at the local Piggly Wiggly grocery chain to help support his family.

He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic grade school and graduated from Edgewood High School before entering the University of Wisconsin. He received his pilot training from the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Truax Field/Madison.

In 1961 he joined Delta Airlines, fulfilling a childhood dream. His 36 year career spanned domestic, European, and Asia routes. In the last 10 of those years he often flew together with his wife. He retired in 1997.

Nancy and Ed built a blessed life together beginning in Atlanta, GA, later settling down on their beautiful tree farm in Yacolt, WA. After 31 years, they sold Misty Valley Ranch in 2019.

They were long time members of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic (Mission) Church in Yacolt where Ed was a Lector and Nancy played piano. Avid supporters of the newly created Seton Catholic College Prep High School, Ed always put his heart and soul into projects he thought to be God-like and of benefit to humankind.

Among Ed’s many passions were: homemade beer-brewing, hunting elk with the Hadaller family each fall, watching football games (particularly his beloved Green Bay Packers!), recording Westerns, and making his own bio-diesel fuel on the farm. The golf Hole-in-One he scored was a source of great pride.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #168/Amboy, WA.

Ed was very soft-spoken, extremely intelligent, and well-read on many subjects. When Ed spoke, you take his word to the bank. Family and Friends all knew that Ed only spoke the truth. His wisdom will be deeply missed.

He leaves the following to cherish his memory: wife Nancy; mother-in-law, Helen (Robert d.) Poirot, of Litchfield, IL; brother-in-law, Dr. Chris (Kathryn) Poirot of Litchfield, IL; sister-in-law, Cindy (John d.) Poirot, of New Baden, IL; and his beloved children, Tracy Kneblik (Curtis), son Tim, and Susan (Stephen) Uselmann-Schottenfeld; along with 5 beautiful and above-average grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews who loved Ed.

Ed was cremated and plans are being made for a summer burial in Washington.

Memorials may be sent to: Seton Catholic College Prep High School, 9000 NE 64th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98665 or to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church (C/O Sacred Heart), P.O. Box 38, Battle Ground, WA 98604.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Surprise Funeral Care, Surprise, Arizona.

Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

NWA/DL Capt. Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin  USN (Ret.)

November 1, 1946 - October 31, 2019

Belated notification….and as noted in February’s issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of retired Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin, USNR, Ret.  Captain O’Laughlin joined Northwest Airlines 11-24-1989 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2011.   He is survived by his wife Peggie, their son Aaron plus many other extended family members.

Obituary information may be viewed online at  

 https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/8680012/Capt-Timothy-J-OLaughlin-USN-Ret

 A news article and obituary information is also available at  

https://www.claytodayonline.com/stories/obituaries-111419,20216

“Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin died when his single engine aircraft that he was piloting inexplicably crashed on the evening before his 73rd birthday. Tim was an avid pilot since his days as a teenager in Waynesville, Ohio, learning to fly at Red Stewart Airfield.He served as a Naval Aviator for over a quarter of a century, flying the T2 Buckeye, F9 Cougar, A-6 Intruder, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, and C-9 Skytrain. He retired as a Captain in 1997. His fellow aviators gave him the call sign, “Timo.” In 1978, Timo realized his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot when he was hired by Eastern Airlines, beginning a career with the airline industry that would last 33 years. In 2011, he retired from Delta Airlines with over 20,000 hours of flight time……….”

To the best of my knowledge and as noted in whitepages, Captain O’Laughlin had most recently resided at

2469 Henley Rd.,  Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary……………….. Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin - “TIMO”

Timothy Joseph O’Laughlin was born in Dayton; Ohio; and; during his early childhood; he lived almost directly in the flight path of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The rumbling jets overhead inspired a passion for aviation that lasted throughout his life. At the age of ten; his parents moved a few miles south to Waynesville; Ohio. At his new school; Tim quickly made friends with Cub Stewart; the son of Red Stewart; the local airfield owner. Soon he was on his way to obtaining a private pilot’s license; with a dream to become a commercial airline pilot. In that pursuit; he accumulated flight hours at Red Stewart Airfield; then as high school drew to a close; he applied to Morehead State University in Kentucky.;

While in college; Tim would come home to Waynesville on weekends and holidays to visit friends and family; and to get more flight hours at the airfield; paying for them by working as a parts delivery man; apprentice electrician; and other odd jobs. One weekend in 1964; at a local dance in Waynesville; the then college freshmen asked Peggie Quillen; a high school sophomore; for a dance. They began going on dates in an airplane; flying to local airports; grabbing a burger and Coke; keeping their dates simple so Tim could save money to put toward flight hours.

In 1968; Tim and Peggie were married; and their son Jeffrey was born in 1969.;

After graduating from Morehead State University; with the Vietnam War draft looming; Tim weighed his options and joined the US Navy. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1970; first assigned to Attack Squadron 42 (VA 42) at NAS Oceana; Virginia. His fellow aviators gave him the call sign; “Timo.”;

During his active duty in the 1970s; Timo made 362 carrier landings and piloted a variety of planes; including the T2 Buckeye; F9 Cougar; A-6 Intruder; A-4 Skyhawk and A-7 Corsair II. From 1971 to 1974; he was assigned to Medium Attack Squadron VA-34; based aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67). During this time; he and Peggie; had their second son; Christopher.; In 1974; two months after he and Peggie’s third son; Aaron; was born; he moved to the Jacksonville; Florida area where they would reside for the rest of his life. Timo continued on active duty as a training officer for the Naval Air Reserves; served as a Program Manager for VA 1074; then an Operations/Aircraft Division Officer; Division Lead and NATOPS Officer in Light Attack Reserve Squadron VA-203.;

In 1978; Timo realized his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot when he was hired by Eastern Airlines; beginning a career with the airline industry that would last 33 years.;

Throughout the 1980s and 90s; Timo continued his work with the Navy in the reserves. He flew the C9 Skytrain all over the world in Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VR-58. As Executive Officer of VTU 7474; he helped ease the assimilation of Naval reservists back into the civilian community after their service in Operation Desert Storm. In the last years of his Naval career; he provided support and ran Joint Service Reserve programs for the National Defense University. He retired from the Navy on April 1; 1997; as a Captain.; Timo continued flying for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines. In addition; around the start of the new millennium; with a family adventure in need; Timo and Peggie purchased a motor home and began traveling the country; seeing “America the Beautiful; ” making new friends; and of course making stops at Lakeland’s Sun ‘n’ Fun Air Show and the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh.;

In early 2011; Timo retired from Delta Airlines on the Airbus A330; bringing a close to an airline career with over 20; 000 hours of flight time.; After retiring; he decided to get closer to his roots; actively became a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association; and purchased a small single engine aircraft; a Van’s RV-4. In addition to recreational flying; Timo and other former military pilots performed missing man formations for Veterans’ memorial services and other military functions when called upon.; Timo purchased and; with help from his friends and family renovated; a hangar at Haller Airpark in Green Cove Springs. When one of the airpark neighbors designed his own homebuilt aircraft;

Timo; looking for a new adventure; bought the kit and began construction. He completed the Sport Performance Aviation Panther; a single seat; low wing plane; in early 2019. He flew both planes; the RV-4 and the Panther; regularly. On October 31st; 2019 he took the RV-4 for what turned out to be his last flight.; Timo endeared himself to others with his humor; straight forward manner; love; and contagious zest for life. Always with a look of mischief in his eye; he loved to make you laugh and everyone in his company was enriched by the experience. To Timo; nobody was a stranger but was just a friend he had not yet met. He touched many lives; and everyone who knew him will cherish his memory forever.;

Timo was a great American; husband; father; and friend. He is survived by Peggie; his wife of fifty-one years; son Aaron; many aunts; uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; Agnes and Joseph O’Laughlin; and his sons Jeffrey and Christopher.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to EAA Young Eagles https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationform or Rodeheaver Boys Ranch; Palatka Florida. http://rbr.org/donations/