Capt Ralph Arthur Engelking

Capt Ralph A. Engelking "Lefty" passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on October 23, 1930, to Edward W. and Leona (Jahnke) Engelking, and lived in Arlington Heights during his childhood. Ralph attended St. Peter Lutheran School for elementary and junior high school, and graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1948, where he played Baseball and Football. After high school he attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College in Dekalb, IL, before graduating from Lake Forest College in 1953. After college he joined the Marine Corps, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in late 1953. He was selected for Marine aviation and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in July, 1955. His joined VMA 332, and flew FJ-3 "Fury's", and served with them as they deployed to NAS Iwakuni, Japan during 1957-1958. After active duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve, and flew the AD-54 and R4Q-2. Ralph returned to temporary active duty from 1962-1965, flying the T-28/34, and the R4D-8/R5D for the team supporting the Navy Blue Angels.

Ralph joined Northwest Orient Airlines and flew the 707, 727, DC-9/10, and was one of the pilots selected to fly the 747-400. He was proud of his service as a Marine and his long, accident free career as a Captain with Northwest Orient Airlines.

He was married to Carol A. Cleven, from Mt. Prospect, IL, on Oct. 6, 1956, and they were blessed with three children Lori K. (Richard A.) Huckle, Jr.; Ross A. (Connie H.) Engelking; and Mark C. (Dawn M.) Engelking. Ralph and Karen Fredrickson (his beloved companion) enjoyed life in Arizona and traveling together for many years. He was the proud grandfather of Richard A. Huckle, III (Janelle); Stephen A. Huckle; Kelby J. Engelking; and Brady S. Engelking.

Ralph was a committed member of the VFW, Mercedes Benz Car Club - MN, "RAMS" Raggedy Ass Marines, race horse owner, and American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman, with interests in hunting, fishing at the cabin on Lake Minnewaska, and golfing. In leu of flowers the family requests donations be made to any charity supporting our veterans.

His funeral will be held at White Funeral home, Burnsville, MN, this Friday afternoon (2/6/26) at 3pm - with gathering of family and friends starting at 2pm. Burial will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com