~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Roger David Albertson
April 4, 1937 ~ April 18, 2020
Notification with the passing of RNPA member retired
Northwest pilot Captain Roger David Albertson, age 83. Captain Albertson joined Northwest Airlines 03-20-1967. He is
survived by his wife Joan, his children and grandchildren, plus many extended
family members.
To view the obituary online please visit the funeral home
website at
For those wishing to send a personal note, condolences may
be sent to the family at
P.O. Box 430, Colfax,
WI 54730.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary………………….
Captain Roger David Albertson, 83, Lake City, TX and Colfax,
WI successfully completed a final “gentle landing” on April 18, 2020 as he
passed from this life to Heaven where he gets to be with Jesus forever. He was in his Colfax home, surrounded by his
loving family.
Roger was born April 4, 1937 in Winona, MN, attended country
grade school in Bennett Valley (Buffalo Co, WI), spent two years at Eleva-Strum
High School, and graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1955. On June 5,
1959, Roger married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Joan
Christine Litsheim of Eau Claire, WI.
Two days later, he graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor’s
degree in Biology and Air Science. That
same day, he was also commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air
Force. Upon completion of his pilot
training in T-34, T-37, and T-33 aircraft he flew KC-97 and KC-135
air-refueling aircraft based from Lincoln, NE, Wichita Falls, TX, and
Portsmouth, NH from 1961- 1967. Although
Roger decided to leave the Air Force to provide a more stable environment to
raise his family, his great love of country never left him and he raised his
children to appreciate what it means to be an American and never take their
freedoms for granted. Roger was hired as
a pilot by Northwest Airlines in March 1967 and flew Boeing 727, Boeing 707,
Boeing 757, and Boeing 747’s. He enjoyed
a successful career with Northwest and retired in 1996 as a Boeing 747 Captain
based out of Honolulu. HI.
Roger was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Cottage
Grove, MN for many years, sang in the choir, and served on several committees,
including Church Council President. He
had a beautiful voice and sang in the St. Paul Chapter Barbershop Chorus. Roger enjoyed his family, his flying, and his
hobbies of woodworking, home remodeling (including designing and building a
2-story solid oak spiral staircase), wood carving, hobby farming, reading,
playing cards, and traveling. Living on
Lake Corpus Christi with his wife of over 60 years, he enjoyed watching the
sunsets both at home and during their travels.
We remember he would often plan the day in a way to make sure we were in
the “perfect” spot to “catch the sunset”.
Roger is survived by his wife, Joan, sons Scott David
(Janna) Albertson of Stillwater, MN, Derik Jon Albertson of Dallas, TX, Brent
Steven (Mary) Albertson of Afton, MN , and daughter Sue Marie (Scott) Enervold
of La Crosse, WI. Grandchildren: Jessica
Lynn (Matt) Howe, Jake Lewis and Beth Marie Albertson, Afton Christine and Anja
Marie Enervold. Great grandchildren:
Dante (Megan) Carlson, Matthew and Jack Howe.
He is also survived by his sister, Ardelle Williamson, six nephews, two
nieces, and many grand and great nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Orvin and Arleen
Albertson and his brother, Sam.
Roger’s warm, generous spirit will be dearly missed by all
who knew him. Thank you to all of our
family and friends for your support. In
lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society and
Saving Grace Lutheran Church - Eau Claire.
A Celebration of life will be held later with a burial at the Little
Dane Church in St. Onge, SD.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services - Celebration of Life
Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be
left at www.chippewavalleycremation.com