John Pieper

John A. Pieper, 89, of Crosslake was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at his home. Services for John will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 11:00AM at Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church in Crosslake with Pastor Leslie Uhrinak officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

John was born on November 30, 1923 in Stillwater, MN to Rev.John and Lydia (nee Hoenecke) Pieper. He was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Concordia Academy in St. Paul, MN in 1941. He attended Northwestern College in Watertown, WI and University of Minnesota from 1941-1942. John learned to fly in 1940 at age 16. He became a flight instructor in 1943 and later became a pilot for Northwest airlines in 1944, retiring in 1983. He began his flying career on the Douglas DC3 and retired in 1983 as a pilot on the Boeing 747. His career at NWA spanned over 39 years obtaining a type rating on ten NWA aircraft. John met his future wife, Julia Spanko, a Northwest Airlines flight attendant while flying on the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser together. His daughters, Priscilla and Julie were passengers on his last outbound flight from Chicago's O'Hare Field to Seoul, South Korea's Kimpo Field. John was active in his church and involved in the church planting of Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church in Crosslake.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Julia; five children, Priscilla (James) Grossman, Julie (Jim) Cervin, Linda (Bruce) Wilson, John Pieper, Paula (Jim) Zagel; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister, Zita Broetzman. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and four sisters.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.