NWA Capt. Robert “Bert” Immel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Robert “Bert” Immel

January 3, 1934  -  October 18, 2023

 

Robert Leon Immel joined Northwest Airlines 04-08-1958.  Captain Immel is survived by his wife Barbara, and by his daughters and their families.

Obituary information is available online at

 https://www.northfieldfuneral.com/obituaries/Robert-Immel?obId=29653902#/obituaryInfo

Robert Immel  Obituary

Robert Leon Immel, age 89, passed away on October 18, 2023. Robert (Bert) was born on January 3, 1934 in Carthage, IL. He loved growing up in his small town and continued to visit his childhood home throughout his life. His father introduced him to flying at an early age and they shared a passion for aviation. Bert learned how to fly in his father’s Piper Cub. He participated in ROTC during high school and upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. His passion for flying led him to attend pilot training as a Naval Cadet in Florida. He flew the Grumman F-9F Cougar during the Korean War and earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He became a 1st Lieutenant before leaving military service and embarking on a career in commercial aviation.

 

While stationed in Miami Springs, he met a gorgeous Eastern Airlines flight attendant, Barbara A. Milholland, and they fell in love. They were married in August 1957 and celebrated their 66th anniversary in the summer of 2023.

 

Following his military career, Bert continued flying as a pilot with Northwest Airlines, beginning his career on the DC-6 in Spokane, WA. Throughout his 35-year career with Northwest, Bert traveled the world - Tokyo was his favorite destination. As a Senior Captain, he was one of the first pilots to fly the B747-400 for Northwest.

 

Bert and Barbara moved to Minnesota in 1959 and Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) became his home airport. In the town of Northfield, MN they raised three daughters, Cindy, Becky and Susy. When Bert was not flying, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was an avid reader and sports enthusiast. He was also a keen cribbage player and a Founding Father of the American Cribbage Congress.

 

In 1986 Bert and Barbara moved to southwest Florida where they enjoyed a happy active lifestyle. They were members in the Bonita Bay tennis community, playing in multiple leagues. Bert also served as a USTA line judge at tennis tournaments. He enjoyed following Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles Basketball. Bert loved the Florida wildlife and sunshine, where he earned the nickname "Gator".

 

Bert is survived by his wife, Barbara, and daughters Cindy Immel, Becky (Vern) Volkert, and Susy Immel all of Northfield, MN. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren Angie (Arie) DeGrio, Brooks (Savannah Dimick) Volkert, Hannah Cuddy, Kieran Cuddy and a beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Kona. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Florence Immel, and his sister Joan Immel.

 

A private memorial service with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling at a later date.

 

Memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice or your local Humane Society.

 

Blue Side Up, Gator.