Janet Rogge

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

For the attention of retired NWA Pilots and their families.

I am writing to inform you of forthcoming changes to the traditional practices of postings of obituaries for retired NWA pilots. RNPA has decided to phase out the group website late this year. This decision reflects a close examination of recent use of the website. Almost all the ‘hits’ today on the website are solely for obituaries. Most of the retired pilots who do the yeoman’s work of writing and posting obituaries are themselves well beyond normal life expectancy. That speaks volumes. Perhaps societal values are changing in ways that affect the willingness of family members to cooperate with the writing of pilot obituaries for pilot audiences. What you will read in the future will more resemble a traditional newspaper, funeral home, hometown type obituary.

We will cease posting our pilot specific obituaries after June 15, 2025. Those recently posted will remain available for viewing until late in 2025.

Yes of course, there are obituaries posted elsewhere for recently deceased NWA/Delta pilots. NWA pilots obituaries will forthwith be posted on the much-acclaimed PCN flight west website. In anticipation of this changeover, I strongly recommend you review the PCN flight west system using this link: https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Carol Faulkner, a retired Delta agent, is a key player at PCN Flight West. She serves as the website coordinator and is a master sleuth at searching industry periodicals, magazines, and aviation publications to glean timely information about the death of our colleagues. Many of the death notices I have posted have come from contact information from Carol.

Time is a key factor in the Delta Airline PCN system. I suspect the country varies greatly regarding the continuance of traditional funeral services. Where I reside in the Pacific Northwest the ‘Celebration of Life’ is becoming quite common. These events are often held several months after the death of the pilot. However, if you reside in thesoutheastern part of the country, you may witness a preference for traditional church and funeral home services. These services are sometimes only a few days after the passing of the deceased. Therefore, death notices and timing become very important. As you read the PCN Flight West postings take noof the ‘for community and the family character’ of the obituaries.

After June 15 I will no longer be writing obituaries intended for pilot readers. Those of you who have sent me an obituary for future use rest assured that a duplicate of your obituary will have been passed onto our friend Ruthie Dumas for her methodical computer storage. If all goes as planned, when I close out my logbook for good, Ruthie will have your key information and backup pilot email addresses. There you have it – a plan.

Thank you all for being understanding. No doubt this is the end of an era.

Please do me a favor and look at the PCN Flight West website. I have even discovered the obituaries of former Air Force squadron mates posted on that system. It is friendly turf.

Thank you for allowing me to fill a minor role in the great legacy of the Red Tail NWA Aviators,
Bill Day

Janet L. Rogge, MD

1949 ~ 2025

Obit Photo Janet Rogge

Janet Louise Rogge, 75, of Seattle, Washington, died March 22, 2025, after a long illness. Janet was born on April 25, 1949, to Dr. Edgar and Celeste Rogge in Seattle. She grew up in the Laurelhurst neighborhood.

Her early education was at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. She then graduated from the University of Washington, attended George Washington University Medical School for two years and transferred to the University of Washington Medical School from which she graduated in 1974. Janet then completed a residency in dermatology from 1974-1978 at Oregon Health Science University. She was in practice as a private dermatologist in downtown Seattle for many years.

Janet possessed a charming and warm personality along with a playful and positive sense of humor. She found great joy in her many friendships and relished her travel adventures whether visiting Africa, mule riding in the Grand Canyon or white water rafting in Montana. Janet loved music, dancing to her vintage jukebox and being a member of the Magnolia Chorale for eight years. She was also an avid gardener and enthusiastic book club member.

Janet is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Leland and Eva Rogge, brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Greener, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Barbara and Jeanne, and her beloved partner, Sigwulf "Sig" Hermann. Janet was visited and cared for by her many friends during her illness and will be greatly missed. Thanks to her Andelcare caregivers, especially Marta and Caroline, who showed us what true caring and compassion mean.

In keeping with Janet's wishes, there will be no services.

(Published in The Seattle Times March 30, 2025)

Sig Hermann Janet Rogge 2

As mentioned above, Janet was the beloved partner of RNPA member Sigwulf 'Wig' Hermann. Janet was also a beloved friend to many of us in the North Puget Sound Retired NWA Pilot group. We were profoundly blessed by Sig's and Janet's partnership. One resounding witness to that relationship was the caregiver role each would in time provide for the other.

Janet we were deeply honored to know you.

(Bill Day)

Obits Notice

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

Janet Rogge

The Birth of RNPA