Herbert Edward Delker

Herbert “Herb” Edward Delker, passed away peacefully at his residence in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Friday, January 20, 2023, at the age of 97.

Herb is survived by his son, Gregg Delker, and daughter-in-law, Candee Delker. He was a proud grandfather of three grandchildren, Angela Delker, Gregg Delker, Jr., and Westley Delker. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Herb was born May 25, 1925, in Blissfield Township, Michigan to Edward Delker and Bertha Delker. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany, his maternal grandmother was from Riga, Michigan. He was baptized at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Riga, Michigan.

While in the Navy, Herb met Beverly Rittenhouse of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and later, they married on April 26, 1947, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Riga, Michigan. In 1948, they had a still-born daughter, Ann, who preceded them in death. Later they had a son, Gregg, in 1953. In 1952 they moved to Park Forest, Illinois and became active members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crete, Illinois. Herb served the Lord as the church treasurer for 16 years. Beverly passed away on January 23, 1987.

In late 1987, Herb married Trudy Herman, of Frankfort, Michigan, where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Frankfort. Trudy passed away on December 6, 2005. She was survived by one daughter, Charen Stafford, one son, Rick Herman, and grandchildren, Erik, Niki, and Renee Herman. Between 1988 and 2005, Herb and Trudy would spend summers in Michigan on Crystal Lake and winters in Albuquerque. In 2006, Herb became a member of the Cross of Hope Lutheran Church congregation.

Herb was a pilot for 75 years. His interest in aviation began during his early childhood. He remembered people talking about Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 flight to Paris, France, and a pilot landing in the fields of his family farm. He attended Blissfield High School and graduated in 1942. He wanted to be a Naval Aviator, but at 17, his parents did not want him to enlist. In 1943 at age 18, he enlisted in the Navy, serving to 1946. The Navy sent Herb to college for two years and for one year, Herb instructed instrument flying using an airplane simulator in Corpus Christi, Texas. During that time, he earned his private pilot license. Later he returned to Adrian, Michigan, earning his commercial pilots license, and served as a flight instructor and the Director of Ground School at Gottschalk School of Aeronautics.

In 1951 he was hired by United Airlines. He flew many airplanes, from the Douglas DC-3 to the Boeing 747 in a career spanning 34 years. He flew throughout the U.S. and overseas to Germany, Japan, and Hawaii. He retired at the mandatory age of 60 in 1985. He kept his interest in flying, teaching his son Gregg to fly, and owned several small airplanes. His favorite airplane was the Cessna 310, which he flew between Michigan and Albuquerque, and many trips across the U.S. Herb continued to fly up to age 92, piloting his last flight in 2017. He was active in aviation organizations with the Quiet Birdmen, Airplane Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Airplane Association, United Flying Octogenarians (UFOs), and was a member of a flying club in Los Lunas, NM, where he continued to meet with his fellow aviators.

Herb enjoyed having fun socializing in the company of his friends and family, while boating, bowling and at golf outings. He also coached boys’ baseball for several seasons. He lived his long life well.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, 1:00 p.m., Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 6104 Taylor Ranch Rd., NM, 87120.

The Interment Service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00 p.m., Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 25301 - 23521 S. Dixie Hwy. (Main St.), Crete, IL, 60417, with a reception to follow at the church, located at 1610 Main St., Crete, IL 60417.

An offering to either church noted above or to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 11949 Wegner Rd., Riga Michigan 49729, in memory of Herbert Delker, has been requested.