NWA/DL F/O HANK (Hannu) K. OSTERLUND

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL F/O HANK (Hannu) K. OSTERLUND

March 13, 1969 ~ June 19, 2021

 

As noted in the September Air Line Pilot magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of Northwest/Delta pilot F/O Hank Kristian Osterlund, age 52.  Hank joined Northwest Airlines 08-06-2001 and was currently active with Delta Air Lines.  I was able to find an online obituary …..translated from  Finnish to English….which notes Hank’s survivors as his wife Jenny and his daughters Kelly and Kristina.  Cause of death appears to be an aggressive type of coronary infection…..please see obituary translated below. 

For those who may wish to contact the family, whitepages lists their most current address as

  704 River Overlook, Forsyth, GA 31029.

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

 

https://www.hs.fi/muistot/art-2000008114853.html translated from Finnish to English reads:  FLIGHT CAPTAIN Hannu “Össi” Österlund died at the age of 52 on June 19, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida, USA. He was born in Lahti, Finland on March 13, 1969. Young Österlund was known as a colorful person who enjoyed having fun with his friends. He was a master at putting himself in the league in his spontaneous madness without ever ruining anyone else. There was endless laughter in him, and he made life-long friends early on with his sincere, inimitable, and lovable nature.

 

The more thoughtful side was visible when the young man noticed a plane taking off or landing over Vantaa. Already at the age of 6, the dream of a pilot career had been ignited, and after high school and the military, Österlund toiled resolutely, earning funds for training.

 

However, during the recession of the 1990s, educational programs were cut, so Österlund went to the United States with the support of his family of exchange students, who had already become close there, and his mother. The name changed to a more international outfit Hank Österlund, and alongside flying, another great love appeared, wife Jenny.

 

For most of his career, Österlund flew Boeing 757s and 767s on Delta Airlines. He acquired prestigious special qualifications and had just been promoted to flight captain. In addition to international scheduled flights, he also flew the U.S. presidential staff and NHL teams.

 

In addition to professional affiliations, family photographs were obtained in Finland, in which Österlund presented, among other things, the growing up of his beloved daughters Kelly and Kristina. In addition to active communication, he visited Finland to cherish his family ties and friendships.

 

FRIENDS have described Österlund as a funny “vilpert” who, however, was at the same time a cordial, responsible, inventive, talented, capable and long-term visionary. He prospered with his main job and part-time entrepreneurship, building a dream house he designed for his beloved family. The Finnish velmuila ended up living the American dream, even though he had sought a mere license to fly.

 

Life takes what it gives. Österlund, who reported his coronary infection and was in good condition, still smiled at the photo on May Day, but the progression of the disease surprised everyone. Intensive care weeks followed each other as Jenny and Nina transmitted Österlund's affiliations to close associates in the two home countries until the last spark of hope went out. The beloved pilot had ascended his wings forever.

 

Now family members and friends are looking at the holiday of the clouds. Have a good trip, Hannu - Godspeed, Hank.