~ 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
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