WC/RW/NWA Capt. Edward C. Lungren

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WC/RW/NWA Capt. Edward C. Lungren

April 3, 1930 ~ June 8, 2024

 

We have just learned of the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Ed Lungren, age 94.  Edward Clarence Lungren hired on with West Coast Airlines 04-22-1957.  Ed was Chief Pilot/SEA 1972-1976, and with the various company mergers retired with Northwest Airlines in 1990.  Ed had most recently resided in Tennessee.

PCN memorial site

https://www.memorialparkfuneralandcemetery.com/obituaries/Edward-Lungren/#!/Obituary

Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery

 

Obituary for Edward C. Lungren

Birth         ;        3 Apr 1930 Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa

Death        :        8 Jun 2024 Collierville, Shelby, Tennessee

 

Edward C Lungren, Ed was born to Glenn and Selma Lungren in Sioux City, Iowa on April 3. 1930. He was the youngest of 4 children. He passed peacefully at his home on June 8th, 2024.

 

Ed is proceeded in death by his parents and his three siblings, he was the last of a generation. Ed was also proceeded in death by his youngest son Bradford Charles and his wives Marlys (Marti) and Donna. He is survived by his oldest son Dan (Catherine) of Cle Elum Washington and his grandchildren Danielle of Scottsdale Arizona, Stefan (Katie) and great granddaughter Abigal of Snohomish Washington.

 

Ed was raised in Boise Idaho, he attended Boise high school and graduated with the class of 48. After High school he attended Boise Jr Collage then transferred to the University of Idaho on the GI bill, he took a year off during his high school and joined the Army, he then returned to finish high school. During his college years Ed worked the summers as a smoke jumper fighting wildfires throughout northern Idaho. After graduating from college, he served 2 years in the army then entered the Air Guard, the beginning of a long love of flying. Ed returned to Boise to visit family and friends for a short time, while there, prior to reporting for service with the Air guard he met and married Donna Jean Nowland. They spent 2 years traveling throughout the southern states while Ed earned his wings.

 

Once completing his pilot training, he went to work for West Coast Airlines in 1957 flying DC-3’s throughout the NW. During these years Ed enjoyed all the outdoor activities that Idaho had to offer. Hunting, fishing, water and winter sports in McCall Idaho. As time passed, he earned his captain status with the airlines and moved his family to Seattle, Washington. While in Seattle he became the Chief Pilot of the Seattle base. Golf became a major part of both Ed and Donna’s lives, they joined Meridian Vally Country Club. In 1976 he and Donna relocated to Phoenix Arizona where Ed assumed the Chief pilot position for the Phoenix base of operations and joined Moon Vally Country Club. Ed excelled at the game of golf and won many tournaments playing in many member guest events.

 

Ed and Donna divorced in 1980. Ed stayed in Phoenix and later married Marti Henderson. Ed and Marti lived in Phoenix until a job relocation moved them to Memphis Tennessee. Once in Memphis they joined the Ridgeway Country club where they made many lasting friendships. Ed retired in 1990 at the age of 60, 2 years later he was hired by FedEx to start a training program for the MD-11, a new airplane that FedEx was bringing online. During the 13yrs Ed worked for FedEx he also enjoyed building and flying RC airplanes and playing golf with his regular golf buddies. Ed participated in RC and golf activities well into his 80’s, as well as his regular visits to join his friends for afternoon conversations and drinks at the regular hangouts.

 

Marti passed in 2018. Ed stayed living in his home until his death with help of his caregiver and friend Linda Means. Linda was an important part of Ed’s life for the past 8 yrs. Through her devotion, Ed was able to stay in his home until the end, that was always his desire.

 

Ed’s life was one adventure after another. Throughout his life he would happen upon one blessing after another. Each led to some sort of life-changing event. Ed loved to tell stories and laugh. He had a wonderful personality that was like a magnet drawing people to him.

 

Ed lived a complete life, a passion for action, from beginning to end, he will be missed by his family and friends.

Rest in peace!