EAL/NWA/DL Capt. Charles Allen SWENSON

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, EAL/NWA/DL Capt. Charles Allen SWENSON

January 12, 1951 ~ January 29, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of retired Eastern/Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Chuck SWENSON, age 70.  Obituary notes that Captain Swenson joined Eastern Airlines in 1979, left Eastern to join Northwest Airlines in 1989 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2006 (2006? Note: NWA/DL merger was completed in 2009).  He is survived by his wife Leslie, his children and his grandchildren.

To view the obituary online please visit https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/charles-swenson-obituary?pid=197674126

Or  https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000381887/?fullname=charles-allen-chuck-swenson

Having lived in many places, whitepages lists the most current mailing address for the family as

2052 E Cavalry Road,  New River, AZ 85087

If anyone can add to Captain Swenson’s work career, please let us know and we will then update our memorial sites.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Charles Allen SWENSON

was born in Minneapolis, MN on 1/12/1951 to Charles H. Swenson and Gloria E. Rommel. After suffering a stroke on January 4th, Chuck passed away in Phoenix, AZ, on January 29, 2021 at the age of 70. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey H.S. Roseville in 1969, and went on to graduate from the Univ. of MN where he met his future wife, Leslie Ann Selgeby. They would marry in 1972 and have two beautiful children, Matthew ('75) and Michelle ('77).

Chuck began his career in aviation in 1972 to become a Naval Officer and a Gentleman in Pensacola, FL and went on to earn his Wings in Corpus Christi, TX in 1975. Starting out as a P-3 Orion pilot, commander, and mission commander in Brunswick, ME, he would eventually end his Navy career as a test pilot in Pensacola, FL before being hired as a commercial pilot for Eastern Airlines in 1979. Chuck left Eastern to join Northwest Airlines in 1989 and ultimately retired as a Delta Airlines pilot in 2006.

Chuck and his family would call many places home during his career as an aviator. Wherever they went, Chuck would take with him his perpetual love for gardening. His final transfer to Minnesota, where he and Leslie would spend 20 years on 10 acres in Prior Lake, allowed him to expand his love for gardening and also pick up hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting. He even spent a few years raising a few peacocks and as many as 500 pheasants each summer in his many fly pens. Having lived life to its fullest in Minnesota, Chuck would eventually make his final move to New River, AZ, where he created his own little "Oasis" in the desert and truly enjoyed the good life.

He is survived and missed by his loving wife Leslie, son Matt (Jennifer), daughter Michelle (Chris), grandchildren Jackson, Michael, Soren and Sydney, stepgrandchildren Tyler (Kayla) and Mandy, brother Jeff (Louise), sisters-in-law Julie (Todd), Lee (Henry) and Libby (Mark), many nieces and nephews, his aunt Simone and many cousins. He is preceded in death by parents Charles H. and Gloria and parents-in-law Vernon and June. Chuck's wishes were that he be cremated and a private memorial will be held with immediate family. All who wish to honor his life are encouraged to plant a hydrangea in his honor, as that was one of his favorite plants.

NEA/DL Capt. Dick Jonah Jacob Wollmar

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NEA/DL Capt. Dick Jonah Jacob Wollmar

November 15, 1932 - February 5, 2021

 

Word has has reached our group with the passing of retired Northeast/Delta pilot Captain Dick J. J. Wollmar, age 88.  Captain Wollmar joined Northeast Airlines 01-03-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Boston.  He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his children and his grand- and great grandchildren.

To view the obituary online and share your memories please visit

https://memorials.purdyfuneralservice.com/dick-wollmar/4520347/index.php?_ga=2.238001352.931689794.1612722662-1807298941.1612722662  or www.purdyfuneralservice.com

For those of you who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists a current address as

15 Spruce Wood Lane,  Durham, NH 03824

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Dick Johan Jacob Wollmar was born in Stockholm, Sweden November 15, 1932 and passed away February 5, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Mary Lou Wollmar, and his three children Monica King, Doug Wollmar (Evangeline), Jennifer Degen (Brian), 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He lived a long fulfilling life passing peacefully in his family home in Durham, New Hampshire.

 

He graduated from both Middlebury College and Cornell University Business School. He served in the U.S. Navy as a commander and pilot, and finished out his career working for the airlines as a Captain for Delta. He was an organic farmer for 30 years. One of the founders of the Portsmouth Farmer’s Market, he valued conservation of land and cooperative farming. He was known as a man of faith and one of the “kindest men you will ever meet.”

 

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southeast Landtrust, NH http://seltnh.org  in his name. For details of Dick’s celebration of life on February 20 at 3 p.m. contact a family member or Saint Georges Episcopal in Durham, NH.

 

To sign our online guestbook please go to www.purdyfuneralservice.com  

USAir pilot, DL Flt. Instructor Eugene C. Conway

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAir pilot, DL Flt. Instructor Eugene C. Conway

November 9, 1940 - February 4, 2021

Born in Teaneck, NJ

Resided in Canandaigua, NY

 

 

http://www.johnsonkennedy.com/obituary/Eugene-C.-Conway/Canandaigua-NY/1885027

 

Obituary

 - Eugene C. “Gene” Conway, age 80, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021. He is survived by four children, Melanie Conway Raccanello, Nicole Conway (David Lunder), Devie Conway, and Desiree Conway, seven grandchildren, a great-grandson, brother Gerald (Barbara) Conway, and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Brian Conway, and four siblings: Helen Conway, Dorothy Sorsby, Donal Conway, and Aloysius Jr. Conway.

Gene was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey. He proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a shipboard Radioman and ultimately as a Pilot, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. Gene would continue his aviation career for over 55 years. Gene flew commercially for USAir as Captain of the DC-9 and MD-80, worked as an MD-88 flight instructor for Delta Airlines, and retired from his aviation career as a Federal Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA. Gene was a member of the USAir Soaring Eagles. Gene would reminisce fondly of his Coast Guard days. He had a love for flying and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed exploring the wonder of God’s nature through hiking, fishing, camping and skiing. He was a great, loving father and he will be remembered fondly.

Services are private. Interment with military honors will be in Bath National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com

 

WA/DL Capt. Donald Eugene Schnoor

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Donald Eugene Schnoor

April 13, 1937 - February 1, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Don Schnoor, age 83.  Captain Schnoor joined Western Airlines 10-28-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Sherry, his children along with his grand- and great grandchildren.

To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.chamberlainmccolleys.com/obituary/donald-schnoor

For those who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists a current mailing address as

12506 Willow Creek Rd.,  Custer, SD 57730

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary : 

Donald Eugene Schnoor, age 83, of Custer, SD passed away on February 1, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. Don was born on April 13, 1937, to Alfred and Clara (Van Asperen) Schnoor in Huron, SD.

 

He grew up ranching and graduated from Wessington High School where he was a decorated athlete, holding a state long jump record for many years. A proud Jackrabbit, he attended South Dakota State University receiving his degree in Wildlife Management. Active in ROTC throughout college, he ultimately attained the rank of Cadet Commander. Upon graduation, Don went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force flying C124’s during the Vietnam War.

 

After his honorable discharge, Don then became a professional pilot for Western Airlines retiring as a Boeing 767 captain with Delta Airlines. Never forgetting his love of ranching, and horses in particular, Don along with his wife Sherry were the founding partners in Sherdon Ranch Enterprises, eventually relocating the ranch to Custer, South Dakota in 1993.

 

Those lucky enough to know Don, knew his charming wit, vast knowledge, engaging storytelling and  selfless generosity. Never without his cowboy hat or his trusty four-legged companions, Don was a regular at the Wrangler, Doug’s, Our Place and the Captain’s Table.

 

Although Don had many titles: mentor, coach, craftsman, pilot; he was most proud to be a “horseman” and was quick to remind anyone who would listen, that a “title is something that is earned, not granted.” A man of his word, Don often conducted business with a simple handshake, and was the first to lend a hand when needed. He elevated those around him and spent the rest of his life caring for his ranch, animals and those he loved. A man who did it his way.

 

Don is survived by his wife, Sherry Schnoor of Custer; sons, Steve (Patricia) Schnoor of Draper, UT; Scott Schnoor (Julie Jenkins) of Portland, OR; daughters, Stacie Schnoor of Dallas, TX; Samantha Schnoor (John Thompson) of Orlando, FL; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

 

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McCulley’s Funeral Home of Custer.

 

 

 

 

 

NWA/DL Capt. Carl Richard Simmons Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Carl Richard Simmons Sr.

May 3, 1938 - January 29, 2021

 

Tragic news comes to us by way of the RNPA/Retired Northwest Pilots group…..friends learned that Captain Simmons sadly lost his life as a result of being struck by a car while out walking in the Alabama community where he and his wife Marilyn winter.  Captain Simmons was 82 years of age and is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sons and his grandchildren. 

Captain Simmons joined Northwest Airlines 02-27-1967, retired and then again was with Northwest/Delta Air Lines as a simulator instructor and check pilot. 

Obituary information is available below and share your memories online at

 https://www.gearty-delmore.com/obituary/carl-simmons 

For those who may wish to send a personal note, perhaps the best address would be their Minnesota residence at

1315 Riverside Lane,  Mendota Heights, MN 55118.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Carl Richard Simmons, Sr. passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2021 in Orange Beach, Alabama at the age of 82.

 

He was born 3 May, 1938 in Hannibal, Missouri and was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Burk Simmons and Mary Elizabeth Montgomery Simmons of Monroe City, MO.

 

Carl is survived by his wife of 52 glorious years, Marilyn “Meme” and two sons, Christopher (Jane), of St. Paul, MN. and Carl, Jr. “Charlie” (Sandy LaMendola), also of St. Paul, his four grandchildren, (Natalie, Olivia, Alexander and Marcus) and two step-grandchildren, (Natalie and Zachary) who all were the light of his long life, his brother Ed Simmons (Angela), his sister Sue Thomas (John), and many nieces and nephews.

 

Carl graduated from Holy Rosary High School in Monroe City, MO. in 1956. He was active in the local community and in the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. Soon after finishing high school, he left for Columbia, MO. and the University of Missouri where he received degrees in Civil Engineering, Astronomy and Mathematics.  He completed 4 years of Air Force ROTC and reached the rank of Cadet Colonel.  Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2nd LT. in the USAF.

 

After graduation, Carl worked for the Boeing Airplane Co., in Seattle, Washington until he entered active duty in June, 1961 at Williams AFB, Arizona.

 

At Williams AFB, he began undergraduate pilot training and earned his wings in June, 1962.  From Arizona he went to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma to Advanced Multi-Engine Pilot Training. In December, 1962 he left the States for a two year assignment to Yokota AB, Japan (Tokyo).  While in Japan, he flew reconnaissance aircraft within the entire Far-East Theatre, protecting the country he loved so dearly.

 

Carl returned to the States in December 1964, and was assigned to Vance AFB, Oklahoma as an Instructor Pilot in the USAF Pilot Training Program. He left the Air Force in 21 January, 1967 with the rank of Captain, and took a job as a pilot with Northwest Airlines (NWA). In 1983 he checked out as Captain on the B-727, and later served as Captain on a number of aircraft in the Northwest fleet.  In his 31 years at NWA, he served as an Instructor Pilot on the following airplanes: B-727, B-757/767, DC-10, & B-747-400.

 

In the summer of 1968, while on a trip to Miami, Florida, Carl met the love of his life, a Northwest stewardess by the name Marilyn McKusick of Olivia, Minnesota. They were married on 31 May, 1969.

 

From 1969 to 1994, they made Minnesota home, living first in West St. Paul, then moving to Highland Park in Saint Paul.  In 1993, he and his wife moved from Saint Paul, to Flat Rock, North Carolina with dear friend and fellow NWA pilot, Dick Dodge and his wife Gale. Carl retired from Northwest Airlines in May 1998, but remained active within the aviation community with his many friends and fellow retired pilots.

 

In November 2005, Carl and Meme moved back to Minnesota to be closer to their family and growing number of grandchildren.

 

Carl’s relentless work ethic and love of flying saw him retire and “unretire”, as he called it, three times over the next 15 years, working again for NWA and then Delta Airlines as a simulator instructor and check pilot, ushering in the next generation of 747-400 captains. He flew for the final time in June 2013 after reaching the age of 75.

 

Among his numerous professional accolades over his 51 years of flying, Carl was most proud of the Superior Airmanship Award he received in 1986 from the Airline Pilots Association for preventing a catastrophic accident immediately after takeoff when two of three engines failed on his aircraft. He and his crew successfully maneuvered his plan to a safe landing, preserving all souls on board.

 

During his retirement(s), Carl enjoyed playing golf with his wife and friends, researching family history, designing and building stained glass windows, and acting as a Docent- giving historical tours at the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Church St. Peter. His last, and most recent, passion was as a member of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem where he achieved the rank of “Knight Commander”.

 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy. 13, Mendota, MN. 55150, on Friday, February 12 at 11:00 AM. The funeral will be live-streamed via Facebook at https://msngr.com/rrruaxoafadn “Carl Simmons Funeral”.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Cathedral Heritage Fund, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN. 55012, or the memorial of your choice.