NWA Capt. RALPH Arthur ENGELKING

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. RALPH A. ‘LEFTY’ ENGELKING

OCTOBER 23, 1930 ~ FEBRUARY 3, 2026

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/captn-ralph-engelking 

Obituary & Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com 

 

Captain Ralph A. Engelking “Lefty” passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 95.  He was born on October 23, 1930, to Edward W. and Leona (Jahnke) Engelking, and lived in Arlington Heights during his childhood.  Ralph attended St. Peter Lutheran School for elementary and junior high school, and graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1948, where he played Baseball and Football.  After high school he attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College in Dekalb, IL, before graduating from Lake Forest College in 1953.  After college he joined the Marine Corps, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in late 1953.  He was selected for Marine aviation and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in July, 1955.  His joined VMA 332, and flew FJ-3 “Fury’s”, and served with them as they deployed to NAS Iwakuni, Japan during 1957-1958.  After active duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve, and flew the AD-54 and R4Q-2.  Ralph returned to temporary active duty from 1962-1965, flying the T-28/34, and the R4D-8/R5D for the team supporting the Navy Blue Angels.  

 

Ralph joined Northwest Orient Airlines (04-23-1959) and flew the 707, 727, DC-9/10, and was one of the pilots selected to fly the 747-400.  He was proud of his service as a Marine and his long, accident free career as a Captain with Northwest Orient Airlines.

 He was married to Carol A. Cleven, from Mt. Prospect, IL, on Oct. 6, 1956, and they were blessed with three children Lori K. (Richard A.) Huckle, Jr.; Ross A. (Connie H.) Engelking; and Mark C. (Dawn M.) Engelking.  Ralph and Karen Fredrickson (his beloved companion) enjoyed life in Arizona and traveling together for many years. He was the proud grandfather of Richard A. Huckle, III (Janelle); Stephen A. Huckle; Kelby J. Engelking; and Brady S. Engelking.

Ralph was a committed member of the VFW, Mercedes Benz Car Club - MN, “RAMS” Raggedy Ass Marines, race horse owner, and American Legion.  He was an avid outdoorsman, with interests in hunting, fishing at the cabin on Lake Minnewaska, and golfing.  In leu of flowers the family requests donations be made to any charity supporting our veterans.

 

His funeral will be held at White Funeral home, Burnsville, MN, this Friday afternoon (2/6/26) at 3pm - with gathering of family and friends starting at 2pm. Burial will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.  

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

 

Memorial Service

White Funeral Home - Burnsville

•  Friday, February 6, 2026
•  3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Gathering of family and friends starting at 2 PM

WHITE FUNERAL HOME - BURNSVILLE

12804 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN 55337

 (952) 894-5080    952-894-0888

NWA/DL Capt. Michael Patrick O'Connor

 

….belated notice…plz forgive if duplicate

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Michael Patrick O'Connor

June 29, 1954 – April 2, 2025

 

Captain O’Connor began his commercial flying career with Northwest Airlines 03-08-1985 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2019.  He had most recently resided in Texas:  5402 Linden Ct, Colleyville, TX 76034.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/michael-oconnor?ttm_pid=210821532&ttm_affiliate=legacyremembers&ttm_affiliatetype=standard&ttm_campaign=legacy

Obituary

Michael Patrick O’Connor, known affectionately by many as “MPOC,” passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, in Colleyville, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 70 years old. A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Michael will be remembered for his loyalty, humor, and remarkable professionalism.

Born on June 29, 1954, in Cheverly, Maryland, Michael was the beloved son of Edward and Shirley O’Connor. From a young age, he showed an early sense of purpose and dedication that would come to define his life. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science before answering a higher calling to serve his country in the United States Air Force.

During his eight years of service, Michael trained on the T-37 and T-38 aircraft before achieving his dream of becoming a B-52 Strategic Bomber pilot. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous honors, including the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Air Force Training Ribbon, the Longevity Service Award Ribbon, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Readiness Medal. While in service, he also completed his Master’s degree in Business Operations, continuing his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

Following his distinguished military career, Michael transitioned seamlessly to the skies of commercial aviation, joining Northwest Orient Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His career later continued under Delta Airlines after their merger, where he flew aircraft including the 727, 757, 767, Airbus A320, and A330. Colleagues and passengers alike admired his calm demeanor, precision, and passion for flying. When he retired in June 2019, it marked the conclusion of a career that spanned decades and continents—but more importantly, a lifetime of discipline and adventure.

Despite the demands of his profession, Michael’s heart was always at home. For more than four decades of marriage, his wife Cheryl was his steadfast partner and greatest love. Together they raised two cherished children, Krystal and Sean, the pride of his life. Michael commuted his entire airline career so his children could remain in one school district throughout their upbringing—an extraordinary testament to his devotion as a father. He often said his greatest achievement wasn’t found in medals or flights logged, but in being a dad.

Outside of work, Michael’s energy found outlets in many passions—flying, technology, video games, working out, and music—but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with family. His humor, storytelling, and ability to lead by example made him someone everyone looked up to. Those who knew him admired his reliability, intellect, and the quiet strength of his leadership.

Even in retirement, Michael stayed engaged with his community. He volunteered actively in Booster Clubs throughout his children’s school years and later served as a substitute teacher for the Grapevine-Colleyville School District, continuing his tradition of service and mentorship.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl O’Connor; daughter, Krystal O’Connor and her fiance, Doug; son, Sean O’Connor; siblings Kevin, Mari, Danny, and Patrick O’Connor; and countless friends, colleagues, and former students who will forever treasure his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Shirley O’Connor.

Michael’s life embodied his favorite motto: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” His leadership, compassion, and unwavering integrity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

NWA Capt. Douglas L. Jackson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. Douglas Jackson

October 29, 1944 ~ Jan/Feb 2026

 

Captain Douglas Leon Jackson began his commercial flying career 07-14-1978.  Captain Jackson is survived by his wife Mary, and by his son and his stepsons and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mercurynews.com/obituaries/douglas-jackson-san-jose-ca/

OBITUARY

Douglas Jackson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Born and raised in San Jose, California, he attended Sacred Heart grammar school, Willow Glen high school and San Jose State.

 

He was an active and committed member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, volunteering his time and talents in innumerable ways. He was always willing to help and set a great example in dedicating himself to others.

 

Doug was a much beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He was a captain with Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines for his entire career. He learned to fly in the Navy and loved his chosen profession. With it he traveled the world, loving the adventure. An avid skier and golfer, he was still skiing black diamond runs at age 80. Doug had a loving and calm demeanor and truly enjoyed the funnier side of life. We will remember his smile.

 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marti, his brother Darrell and sisters Linda and Terry. He and his current wife Mary were married for 27 years. He is survived by his son Brian, his stepsons David and Mark and his five grandchildren, Derek, Miles, Kyle, Ella and Brian Jr. He loved his family fiercely and we are all so blessed to be the receivers of this. He arranged countless family vacations that were the highlights of all of our lives and made family bonds tighter. His grandchildren all spent many hours playing games with Grandpa including having the kids watch him play “Frozen Man” while he grabbed a quick nap. He will continue to live on in our hearts.

 

Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30am at St. Anthony Mckean Church.

Reception follows at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club.

Donations in his name can be made to St. Anthony Church in Almaden.

NWA Capt. Alvin Andrew Lind

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Al Lind

March 19, 1941 ~ January 14, 2026

 

PCN memorial site

Al was born/raised Hawaii, attended University High School and University of Hawaii where he was a member of Kappa Iota and Arnold Air Society, and was a veteran of the Hawaii Air National Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family of Captain Alvin Andrew Lind at

7821 76th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498.

Please see below ….Al’s daughter posted a beautiful tribute to her father on facebook.

==================

Friends and Colleagues,

 

I have been informed that Captain Al Lind died on January 14, 2026, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. Al was soon to be 85 years old (DOB: 3/19/1941) and was hired by NWA on January 09, 1967. The Lind family lived in Lakewood, WA for over 40 years.

There is no public memorial service planned at this time.

Thanks to Rob Rezanka for the death notice.

With deep respect and regret,

Bill Day

Daughter’s facebook page : Laura Lind Holder

The world lost a very special man on the 14th. My dad, Alvin Andrew Lind was such a wonderful husband , father and grandfather!  He took care of us in everything he did!  He worked hard and played hard!  He taught me so much and gave me so much. We had grand adventures together!  He was such a kid at heart and lived life with vim and vigor!  He loved us fiercely!  He was born and raised near Honolulu, flew fighter jets in the Air National Guard, became captain at Northwest Airlines, made custom rifles and shotguns, was the president of the National Rifle Association, was an avid fly fisherman and rode hunter/jumpers with me for years. I can’t even begin to sing all his praises. Everyone that knew him loved him!  He died at home surrounded by loved ones and I am grateful to have had the time to come together as a family and say goodbye!  I love you Daddy!  Thank you for everything you have given us and taught us!  We will be ok. Say hi to Maggie and Keiki!

 

 

WC/NWA Capt. HANS "ERNIE" PROSCH

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, WC/NWA Capt.  HANS ERNST "ERNIE" PROSCH

April 15, 1940 - October 26, 2025

 

CAPTAIN HANS ERNST (ERNIE) PROSCH
Captain Hans Ernst (Ernie) Prosch, 85, entered into the presence of the Lord on October 26, 2025. Friendly, welcoming, and approachable, Ernie was quick to introduce himself or offer a helping hand to anyone in need. He was known, among all who knew him, for his generosity. Born in San Francisco, California on April 15, 1940, he was the second of three sons born to German immigrants, Magdalena and Kurt Prosch. In 1947, they moved their sons Ernie, his older brother, Robert (Bob), and younger brother Gerald (Jerry), from San Francisco's Haight/Ashberry to a quaint residential community in San Lorenzo, California, where they cultivated a permanent home and family life where Ernie and his brothers would spend the remainder of their childhood.
Throughout his youth, Ernie, excelled in academics, particularly mathematics, and began to foster his passion for aeronautics and his dream of becoming an airline pilot. In junior high school, he started working at the local hobby shop, which precipitated a lifetime of building award winning model airplanes; his first honor of many, a 1st place trophy granted by the United States Airforce Academy for all around best performing model airplane, was in 1955, at 15. In high school he began pilot training and obtained his pilot's license. He joined the United States Navy in 1958 and, following his service, earned a full-ride scholarship to Northrop Aeronautical Institute of Technology and graduated with honors and degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
He took a position with Boeing Corp. where he worked at Cape Canaveral as an Inertial Guidance Specialist. In 1966, he hired on with West Coast Airlines as a line pilot, and a few years later, was introduced to a stewardess within the company, Linda, whom he married in 1970. They welcomed son, Hans, in 1971, and daughter, Jodi, in 1974. His adventurous spirit led the family to engage in his favorite hobbies together, most notably, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, fishing, shooting, playing piano, and flying model airplanes. He was a frequent competitor at the Reno Air Races and built two award winning full size single pilot Formula One Airplanes in the 1970's.
At age 60, after flying his last transpacific flight on the Boeing 747-400, he hung up his captain's cap, and retired, in 2000, from Northwest Airlines. Embracing retirement with inherent zeal, he could be found tickling the ivories of his Steinway, spoiling his animals, calibrating his golf swing, designing, and flying model airplanes with his antique model group, and continuing to soar the skies piloting short domestic flights with family and friends in his 6-seater Aerostar airplane. Yet, to him, most importantly was spending time with his beloved family and friends. Ernie was a loving, devoted, and enthusiastic son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He will be tremendously missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother Bob, and nephew Rob. He is survived by his son, daughter, daughter-in-law Katharine, former spouse and friend Linda, four grandchildren Emma, Gavin, Audrey, and Colin, brother Jerry, nephews Eric and Jeremy, nieces Cheri and Valerie, four great nieces, and many dear friends.
Funeral services: November 25, 2025, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Interment:  November 26, 2025, Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV) - Wednesday, January 28, 2026