Robert L. Immel
1934 ~ 2023
Captain, Robert L. Immel, age 89, passed away October 18, 2023. He was born 03 January 1934 in Carthage, IL to Albert and Florence Immel. Our father had one sibling, an older sister Joan Immel. Dad loved growing up in his small town and continued to visit his childhood home throughout his life.
Dad was educated in Carthage, IL, graduating from high school in 1951. He was active in sports, playing football his freshman through his senior years, track also his freshman through senior years, and basketball in his sophomore and junior years.
He was class Treasurer in his junior year and class Secretary in his senior year of high school. He was also very musical, playing the piano throughout his life. In high school Dad played the clarinet and oboe. He also participated in Boys Chorus in his freshman through his senior years, as well as Ensemble, Quartet, Mixed Chorus, and Minstrel.
Flying came early in Dad’s life. As a teenager he learned to fly in his father’s Piper Cub. He participated in high school ROTC and upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His passion for flying eventually led him to volunteer for pilot training as a Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD).
Our father reported to NAS Pensacola, FL on 04 April 1953 to begin USN Pilot Training. In later years, Dad often commented on the interesting and fun aircraft he flew while training in the Navy. On 04 April 1955 was a big day for Dad, he was both commissioned a 2nd/LT in the USMCR and awarded his Navy Wings of Gold. His immediate graduation orders stated an assignment to MCAS Cherry Point, NC.
Bob Immel preceded another future NWA captain – Keith Finneseth, whom Dad had gotten to know as NAVCADs in pre-flight training. Both Dad and Keith were to soon be assigned to MCAS Cherry Point. Dad was soon deployed to K-3 (Air Station) at Pohang, Korea and was assigned to VMA-251 ‘Thunderbolts’ flying the AD-6 Skyraider. Two months later, Dad heard that Keith Finneseth was on the same track. He persuaded a Major in Operations to also assign Keith to VMA-251. The primary combat role for VMA-251 was ground support attack flying.
The Korean Armistice required US force reduction, and some units of the First Marine Air Wing packed to leave Korea. Dad reported that K-3 was a miserable place, and they were happy to leave. VMA-251 was redeployed to NAS Iwakuni – Japan. Thereafter Dad’s role remained focused on attack flying.
In early 1957 Dad was reassigned to MCAS Opa Locka, Florida, (formerly NAS Miami) where he flew the FJ-3 Fury. The friendship with Keith Finneseth was further enhanced when Keith was assigned to NAS Pensacola as a pilot instructor. He skillfully scheduled many weekend ‘Navigation Training Flights’ for his students to MCAS Opa Locka, thus enabling great visits with Dad in Miami.
Our Dad met our mother, the beautiful Barbara A. Milholland, while he was based at Opa Locka. Mom was an Eastern Airline Flight Attendant. They were married on 29 August 1957 and celebrated their 66th anniversary in the summer of 2023.
In early 1958 Dad separated from the active Marine Corps and was hired by Northwest Airlines. His date of hire was April 08, 1958. After initial training he was assigned to a pilot base at Spokane, WA flying copilot on the DC-6. In time he was reassigned to Minneapolis (MSP) pilot base.
Dad flew an extensive lineage of aircraft as the propellor transports were being phased out and replaced by the propjet and fanjet aircraft. He was onboard when the early fan jets arrived at NWA and also onboard when the the high tech Boeing 747/400, the epitonomy of computerized flying, arrived at NWA. Dad's final assignment was to be the first Boeing 747/400 Captain flying the line. Finally as the year 1994 arrived, our father had to hang up his uniform and pack away his flight bag. He had arrived at age 60 and FAA compulsory retirement.
In his early NWA years, Dad stayed active with the USMC Reserves, flying a variety of aircraft from NAS Twin Cities until separating on 27 August 1961.
In 1959, MSP became Dad’s home base with NWA. In time Dad and Mom elected to establish residence in the beautiful, historic town of Northfield, MN. There they raised three daughters, Cindy, Becky and Susy. When Dad was not flying, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was an avid reader and sport enthusiast. He was also a keen cribbage player and a Founding Father of the American Cribbage Congress.
In 1986 Mom and Dad moved to southwest Florida where they enjoyed a happy active lifestyle. They were active members of the Bonita Bay tennis community, playing in multiple leagues. Dad also served as a USTA line judge at tennis tournaments. He enjoyed following Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles Basketball team. Our father loved the Florida wildlife and sunshine, where he earned the nickname “Gator”.
Robert L. Immel is survived by his wife, Barbara, and daughters Cindy Immel, Becky Volkert, and Susy Immel, all of Northfield, MN. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Angie DeGrio, Brooks Volkert, Hannah Cuddy, Kieran Cuddy, 1 great grandchild Norah June DeGrio and a beloved Yorkshire Terrier - Kona. Dad was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Florence Immel, and his sister Joan Immel.
The pilots at NWA held Bob Immel in high esteem as an aviator and a friend.
(~Cindy Immel)