Lowell Kegley
1935 ~ 2023
Captain Lowell Kegley, age 88, passed away August 29, 2023. Lowell was born in Minneapolis, MN where he spent his childhood. He attended Central High School where he was an honor roll student. In his high school yearbook he wrote, “He is truly happy who can make others happy.” Farsighted for a young man. 
Lowell met his future wife Joi Moberg in 1952 during their senior year of high school. They were married in 1955.
After high school graduation Lowell enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served for three years as an aircraft engine mechanic, primarily on the early carrier-based jet ighter – the Grumman F-9F Panther. While in service, Lowell was awarded National Defense Service, Korean Service and United Nations Service Medals. Returning to the U.S., Lowell set about learning fly using his Korean War G.I. Bill benefits. He acquired a CFI rating and later instructed at Chrystal Airport. Once Lowell acquired the FAA licenses and flight time needed for employment, Lowell began his long climb toward a major airline career working for ZanTop and Eastern Airlines.
Ralph Kisor
1937 ~ 2024
Captain Ralph Edward Kisor, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. His last days were spent in Eau Claire, Wisconsin under the care of Beehive Homes and St. Croix Hospice.
Ralph was born on March 12, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio to Clarence and Ruth (Milstead) Kisor. The family was later joined by his brother Ronald and sister Betty Ann. In the spring of 1955 Ralph graduated from North Robinson High School; North Robinson is a small town located 7 miles east of Bucyrus, Ohio. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, forgoing a scholarship at Ohio State University. He served as a Radio Intercept Analysis Operator at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska until 1959.
Samuel Lev
1938 ~ 2023
Captain Samuel Raymond “Sam” Lev, age 85, died peacefully at home in Shelton, WA, on December 19, 2023, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Sam was the youngest of three children born to Edwin Samuel Lev and Violet Myrtle Kittleson in Sheboygan, WI.
Sam graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1957 and attended the University of Wisconsin and Whitewater State University. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1961, attended Naval Flight School at Pensacola, completed flight training, and qualified for aircraft carrier landings. As a Naval Aviator, he flew missions in the A-1 Skyraider off the aircraft carrier “Ranger” and the A-4 Skyhawk off the aircraft carrier “Intrepid” earning the rank of Lieutenant and various medals during his service.
After resigning his commission in 1968, he and his family moved to Minneapolis, MN for Northwest Airlines training, then onto Seattle, WA. There he continued his flying career, piloting both domestic and international flights.
Cline Preble
1942 ~ 2023
Captain Theodore Cline Preble, age 81. On Wednesday night, November 23rd, 2023, Cline Preble, dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend flew on angels wings to wait for us in one of the Lord’s “many mansions.” He is, no doubt, up there fixing something, taking care of someone and telling one of his many flying stories. To put into language the degree he will be missed in our world is not possible. He was everything to each of us.…suffice it to say he was the ultimate protector, leader, mentor, pilot, instructor, and always there for those who needed him. He leaves an enormous hole.
Cline began his life in Oklahoma in 1942, just missing being a New Year’s gift to parents Ted, an attorney for the Federal Reserve Bank, and Ethel, a high school teacher, on December 30. He had a happy, busy life in Oklahoma City, where he experienced his first flight lessons at Northwest Classen high school with his physics instructor…can you believe a high school with its own airplane? He spent his college years at Oklahoma State University, where he was the captain of the rifle team and took the group to many competitions all over the US, including the National Championships. While at OSU he met and married the love of his life, his wife, Judy. After graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army and they moved to Columbus, Georgia, where he became the youngest instructor on the Small Arms Committee in the US Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. While there he and Judy welcomed their baby son, Kevin, into their lives.
Donald L. Jurries
1938 ~ 2023
Captain Donald L. Jurries, age 85, died on December 17, 2023 from a traumatic brain injury after a fall. Don was born in Northfield, Minnesota to parents Grace and Lewis Jurries. He was the fourth of five children and the only son. Don’s father was a farmer. They owned a farm in Castle Rock, MN, growing onions and potatoes. His father and mother were repeatedly fined and threatened jail time for feeding the German POWs who labored on the farm during WWII. The POWs were interned at Shakopee, MN.
Don attended Northfield High School where he was a good student and an excellent football player. His budding interest in flying was encouraged by taking flying lessons at Stanton Airfield, east of Northfield. Stanton Field established a legacy for excellence prior to WWII through their government funded CPT (Civilian Pilot Training) program. College students from St. Olaf College and Carleton College were the mainstay of the program. Don inherited that legacy all while also assisting his parents by carrying out farm chores at home.
Dennis C. Kearns
1941 ~ 2023
Captain Dennis C. Kearns, age 82, passed peacefully at home on November 16, 2023. Dennis was born on August 22, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio to Jack and Lucille Kearns. He had one sibling, his younger brother Tom Kearns.
Denny was a graduate of Independence High School of Independence, Ohio. As a high school student Denny enjoyed participating in school theater and general aviation flying.
He began flying in an Aeronca Champ in high school and earned his FAA Private Pilot license before his state driver’s license.
When he enrolled at Miami University of Ohio, it is no surprise that Denny also enrolled in Air Force ROTC. The path toward aviation was preset long before he entered college. The photo below is of Dennis in his early teens with his father and his collection of airline brochures, models, and aviation maps.
Jack A. Ingersoll
1927 ~ 2023
NWA pilot Jack A. Ingersoll, age 96, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023. Jack was a 1945 graduate of Marshall High School; he went on to proudly serve in both the Merchant Marines and the United States Air Force.
Jack was hired by Northwest Airlines on October 12, 1948, as an equipment service agent, to later serve as a licensed mechanic and Crew Chief. He would later serve as a Flight Engineer. Jack was one of the Flight Engineers who acquired FAA pilot ratings and moved into the right seat as copilot. He served NWA for 39 years, retiring from Northwest Airlines on March 3, 1987.
Known as a man who honored his faith, Jack was a member and leader at Lynnhurst Congregational United Church of Christ in Minneapolis and volunteered his time with Meals on Wheels. He also loved to travel the world. Jack led his family by examples of love, strength, dignity, and integrity. When it is our time to see Jack again, we believe it will be with a smile and his boisterous “Howdy!”
Proceed in death by his wife Amber of 50 years, his sister Carol Jean, and lifelong friends George and Margie Minarik. Survived by his children, David (Lilly), Kathryn, Janet (Glen) and William, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family is grateful to Park Nicollet Hospice and everyone at Friendship Village.
(- The Ingersoll Family & Bill Day)
Claude John Benedict
1938 ~ 2023
Captain Claude John Benedict, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2023, surrounded by family. Claude was born April 23, 1938, to Ralph and Anna Benedict in St. Louis, MO.
Claude graduated from McBride High School in 1955 and went on to study engineering at St. Louis University. Following college Claude was commissioned into the Navy where he trained as a Naval Aviator in Pensacola and Kingsville. Upon earning his wings, his orders took him to Okinawa, Japan. Before leaving the states, he married the love of his life, Eloise on January 5, 1963, whom he had known for many years, first meeting her when he would deliver groceries to her family in St. Louis. They celebrated 60 years of marriage earlier this year!
David K. Miller
1941 ~ 2023
Captain David K. Miller, age 82, passed away on Aug. 28, 2023 from complications related to Alzheimer’s. David was born in East Peoria, Illinois to Herman Charles and Clara Marie Miller (Gustmann). The only son, he was the youngest of three siblings. David’s father worked at the huge Caterpillar assembly plant in Peoria.
David attended East Peoria High School. During these years music became a big part of his life. In high school he performed with the school choir, the school musical theater, and played trumpet in the school band. David also played baseball and stayed active with Boy Scouts.
Immediately after high school, Dave enlisted into the Air Fore and was trained as an aircraft mechanic. Most of his four-year enlistment was spent at Altus AFB, OK where he served as a mechanic on B-52s and KC-135s. He separated from active duty as an Airman First Class.
David married Judith Ann (Seppelt) on September 1, 1962 (living) while still on Air Force active duty. The couple would give birth to and parent two children, Amy Marie (Maldonado) born November 29, 1967 (living) and Matthew James Miller born February 16, 1970 (living).
Gary C. Thompson
1936 ~ 2023
Captain Gary C. Thompson, age 86, passed away in Eden Prairie, Minnesota on July 17, 2023. Gary was born on December 7, 1936 at the hospital in Breckenridge, MN to Clarence ‘Butch’ and Esther Thompson. The family resided across the Minnesota/South Dakota state line in remote Rosholt, SD where his father worked as a butcher and his mother a schoolteacher. Gary was the oldest of three siblings.
Family lore reports that Gary didn’t set the world on fire as a student but was a noteworthy athlete. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He was also reputed to be a good singer and appeared in school plays. 
Gary entered Concordia College in the fall of 1954 on a football scholarship where he played football until suffering a severe concussion. A year later he dropped out of college and pursued entry into the military.
Dino Oliva
1933 ~ 2023 
Captain Dino Oliva, age 90, passed away October 31, 2023. Dino died peacefully in his sleep, at home, after 5 years with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dino was born in Lockport, New York on March 10, 1933, to parents Agostino and Elvira Oliva. His parents emigrated from Fano, Italy in the 1920's. The youngest of 3 boys, he was the first generation to speak English and head off to school in the states. After graduating from Lockport High School in 1950, he set off to college at Clarkson College of Technology, in Potsdam, New York. He took engineering courses and was active in his fraternity, Kappa Kappa Tau. In 1954 he earned a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
After college, Dino signed up with the Marine Corps and enrolled in officers candidate school in Quantico, VA. Dino was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in February, 1955 and was sent to officers training for 8 months. 
Dino trained in Pensacola in 1957, and then set off for Corpus Christi, Texas. With attack bomber training, he earned his wings as a naval aviator; at the time completing six landings on an aircraft carrier. Dino had been trained in an SNJ, T28, and an AD-4. Next he was off to Miami where he trained in a two engine SNB and a R4Q. Off to Cherry point NC next, he checked out as Captain on the R4Q.
While in the Marines, Dino flew troops and cargo during the Lebanon crisis. Completing his missions, he was released from active duty in February of 1958. Dino was recognized as serving over 2000 multi-engine hours, in March of 1959. For the love of flight, Dino continued flying out of Minneapolis with the Marine Reserves squadron for 22 years, until 1970. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corp Lieutenant Colonel in 1977.
Robert ‘Doug’ Wood
1938 ~ 2023 
Robert “Doug” Wood, age 85, was born June 20, 1938, in Butte, Montana, the first of five brothers, to Mary and Bob Wood. Bob, a copper miner, determined to keep his boys out of the mines, moved the family to Post Falls, Idaho, in 1950 where Doug grew up. At Post Falls High School, he demonstrated his natural leadership skill as president of his senior class, student council president, and co-captain of the championship football team that captured the first Panhandle B Conference title for the Trojans in the school’s history.
Though awarded two football scholarships and playing for a short time at EWC, Doug returned to Post Falls and graduated from North Idaho Junior College in 1962. He secured his commission as 2nd lieutenant and entered Air Force flight training, achieving recognition for Highest Mid-Phase Flight Formation Instrument Flying. In 1963 he pinned on his wings and reported to Perrin AFB where he completed advanced intercept training and flew with the 116th Fighter Intercept Squadron for the Washington Air National Guard. Doug accepted an offer to fly commercially for NW Airlines in 1965.
Merle Eglet
1935 ~ 2023
Captain Merle Eglet, age 88, ended his sojourn on earth from the terminal disease of living, with no regrets and owing no one. His life started in McLean County North Dakota June 7, 1935, with parents Charles and Nette Eglet. Skip, as he was nicked named early by his maternal grandfather is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Kirkland, WA, three younger brothers, Tony and Dick of Zillah, WA, Steve of Spokane and older sister Paula Thomas of Naches, WA, his son Robert and wife Tracy of Las Vegas, Nevada, his daughter Brooke and husband Gregg in Nashville, TN. Grandchildren Keegan Eglet, Blake Eglet, and Jordan Eglet in Las Vegas, NV, granddaughter Parker and grandson Thatcher Boling in Nashville, TN, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, mostly residents of eastern Washington.
Skip moved to Zillah, WA with family to escape the ravages of the great depression. He attended school in Zillah, attaining a modicum of success academically, being named valedictorian at all levels. After a rather mediocre struggle with academia, he joined the Naval Aviation Cadet program. This led to a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and a designation as a Naval aviator. His tour of active duty was at El Toro MCAS, CA, with deployments to Yuma, AZ, Fallon, NV and CVA-34 Oriskany. While on active-duty Skip flew the F8U, F9F, T1A, and DC-3. Upon separating from active duty, he joined the Fleet Marine Forces Reserve and continued for 13 years, flying the F9F-6 and 8, the A4D-1 and 2, T-33, T1A, SNB, AD5 and R4Q (C-119) and F6A (F4D-1).
Larry W. Hacker
1940 ~ 2023
Captain Larry Hacker, age 82, flew west on 15 September 2023. Larry was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 20, 1940, to Edgar W. Schietzelt and Mary Frances Underschied. At the time of his birth, Larry was named Lawrence Wilhelm Schietzelt. Larry’s father, Edgar, was killed in action March 28, 1945, in Germany. Mary Frances later married Charles W. Hacker and Lawrence Wilhelm Schietzelt became Larry William Hacker.
Larry had five siblings: Gary, Maurine, Mary Dee, Margie and Charles. His adoptive father was a railroad employee and at one time Larry thought he might follow this career path.
Larry had a solid Catholic education; St Joseph Grade School, Bishop Heelan Catholic High School and Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. During high school Larry’s athletic endeavors included track and basketball. You could also find him on stage preforming with the rest of the Theater Group. His favorite role, Lt. Joseph Cable USMC, in the musical South Pacific.
School and learning were easy for Larry. He could hear or read something and retain the information. He never had to study for a test in school.
He worked as a hospital orderly during high school and for a collection agency, repossessing cars, during college.
Richard 'Dick' Haglund
1933 ~ 2023
Captain Richard Haglund, age 90, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023. The last six months of his life ‘Dick’ suffered from a backbone failure.
Dick was born on February 21, 1933, in Opstead, Minnesota to parents Oscar and Annie Haglund. He was number three of four boys in birth order. During his childhood, the Haglund family lived on a dairy farm in Mille Lacs County and as a youngster Dick carried out farm chores. He attended Isle High School located adjacent to the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake. Dick was a good student and a good athlete, playing football and basketball in high school. He was endowed with a good singing voice which enhanced his ability to yodel. Dick enjoyed running as fast as possible and told his friends that some day he would fly.
After high school Dick enlisted in the Air Force but was medically discharged for a skin disorder on his feet. Thereafter he studied for two years at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Concurrently with his enrollment at Macalester, Dick took flying lessons at Flying Cloud Airport. To finance the flying lessons, he worked as a night watchman. Dick persisted with this rigorous lifestyle and in good time acquired his FAA Commercial/Instrument Pilot ratings as well as a CFI Instructor rating. The CFI enabled him to earn income as an instructor while building his flight time. Dick persisted in contacting the employment office at Northwest Airlines regarding pilot hiring. This persistence paid off and Dick was hired by Northwest Airlines on April 04, 1959.
John M Campbell
1941 ~ 2023
Captain John M Campbell, just shy of 82, died Wednesday August 2, 2023, at his home in Mendota Heights surrounded by his wife and family. John was born on September 28, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia as the only child to Lilian Wyche and John Patrick Campbell.
John graduated from John McDonough High School in New Orleans in 1960. During his high school years John was a member of the Civil Air Patrol where he met lifelong friends. The CAP influenced and inspired John’s life-long love of flying. After high school he enrolled at Loyal University in New Orleans to major in physics.
In 1963 John enlisted in the U.S. Navy to enter the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program. Toward the end of his flight training John opted for advanced rotor wing (helicopter) training. After earning his Wings of Gold, he was stationed at NAS Quonset Point in Rhode Island. There he flew SH-3A helicopters, often patrolling for Russian submarines off the East Coast of the United States during the Vietnam War. John opted to leave the active Navy in the spring of 1968 and was hired by Northwest Airlines on May 06, 1968.
Gregory J. Berry
1952 ~ 2023
Captain Gregory James Berry, passed away on August 19, 2023, at his home with his wife Nina and daughters Angela and Natalie by his side after a hard-fought 5-month battle with glioblastoma. He was 70 years old.
Born August 26, 1952, at the Winslow Clinic on Bainbridge Island to John and Carmen Berry, Greg grew up in Eagle Harbor with his two brothers and other long-time island family friends. He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1970 as class salutatorian and earned varsity letters in football and basketball.
Greg earned a degree from Seattle University in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. He spent summers fishing in Alaska to help finance college and flying lessons at Boeing Field. He obtained a Private Pilot’s License at age 19. After graduation from college, he pursued his passion for aviation with the U.S. Navy.
David Lundin
1931 ~ 2023
Captain C. David Lundin, age 91, of Dresser, WI, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023, surrounded by family at the Christian Community Homes in Osceola, WI.
Dave was born December 24, 1931, to parents, Carl and Inet Lundin, in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1949. He Entered Gustavus Adolphus College to pursue a Pre Law course of studies for 2 Years. He transferred to the University of Minnesota and entered the Law School “2-4” program and accepted an NROTC Scholarship. He graduated June 11, 1955, and was commissioned (Ensign USN, 15 June 1955). He earned his wings in Pensacola, FL, transferring to Corpus Christi, TX and then to Bermuda. In 1959, he left active duty and joined the Ready Reserves, moving back to Minnesota, where he would serve 20+ years as a pilot, and earn top ranking as Captain, USNR. In the reserves, Dave, serving as Squadron CO, and his crew, received the Noel Davis Trophy in 1974 for being the most efficient aviation division of the USNR.
On November 21, 1966, Dave began his commercial pilot career with Northwest Airlines. His initial crew assignment was as a Second Officer on the Boeing 727. {Dave flew the standard NWA MSP base succession of aircraft, retiring on Dec. 12, 1991 as a Classic 747 captain.}
Raymond J. Cornforth
1925 ~ 2023
Captain Raymond ‘Jack’ Cornforth, age 98, took his last flight and left our world very peacefully on Sunday June 25th, surrounded with loving family and friends. Jack came from a very small town in Oklahoma and his love of flying was initially sparked by a couple of $1 airplane rides at the local fair with a kind man and his crop duster airplane. In the Spring of 1943, at the ripe old age 17, he entered basic training with the Army Air Corps. Jack was initially trained as an aircraft mechanic, but later completed pilot training as an Aviation Cadet. In April of 1945, Jack was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and awarded Air Corp Pilot’s wings. He served the rest of the war as a P-40 Warhawk Fighter Pilot
After WWII, and release from Army duty, Jack found employment packing parachutes and working as an aircraft mechanic. He and a coworker heard there were aircraft mechanics jobs in St Paul, Minnesota so off they went. Jack was hired by Northwest Orient Airlines on February 9, 1948. He worked for Northwest Airlines for 44 years serving as a Mechanic, Crew Chief, Flight Engineer, Copilot and Captain. At age 60 Jack confronted FAA mandatory retirement. However, he was eligible to continue working an additional seven years as a flight engineer (2nd officer) on the classic Boeing 747. During those seven years Jack also served Northwest Airlines and the Department of Defense through NWA’s commitment to the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) by providing contract transportation for military troops and supplies from the United States to bases in Germany, Kuwait and Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Melden B. Suggett, Jr.
1933 ~ 2023
Captain Melden ‘Mel’ Suggett, Jr., age 89, died February 12, 2023, after a long struggle with dementia. ‘Mel’ was born and raised in a rural setting near Woodland, California. His father, Mel Sr., was a rice grower working fields that would today be visible from the airport traffic area at Sacramento Airport.
Mel was a good student and an excellent athlete. His athletic skills at Woodland High School won Mel accolades at All State high school competitions and a scholarship to Olympic College in Bremerton, WA where he studied Forestry. Like many other future aviators, upon acquiring two years of college credits Mel applied for USAF Aviation Cadet pilot training. After preflight at Lackland AFB, TX Mel did well in Primary and Basic Flight Training. Completing the Aviation Cadet flight training, Mel was commissioned and rated as a USAF pilot. From Texas he traveled north to Tinker AFB, OK for C-124 Globemaster transition training. With transition behind him, Mel reported for operational assignment to the 62nd Troop Carrier Wing at McChord AFB. This began a long-time association with aviation centered in the Seattle/Tacoma area.
James Edward Swanson
1940 ~ 2022
Captain James Edward Swanson, age 81 of Eagan and Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2022, after a valiant battle with acute pulmonary problems...
Jim was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on March 19 1940, to the late Edward and Vera (Fearing) Swanson. The oldest of five children, Jim grew up in nearby Florence and Wabeno, Wisconsin where his father worked as a baker. As a young lad Jim worked alongside his father in the bakery. He attended Wabeno High School where he was known as a well-rounded student having participated in almost every sport and school activity including basketball, football, band, choir, glee club, and student council.
It was natural for Jim to go on to attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison. As these were the years of mandatory ROTC, he opted for Air Force ROTC. During his senior year Jim received FAA approved training in light aircraft as a prescreening for USAF Pilot Training. The same week he received his BA degree in political science, he was also commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force Reserve.