Gregory Flack Zettler

We are deeply saddened to share that long-time New Orleans resident Gregory Flack Zettler passed away peacefully with his wife (Cheryl), daughter (Laurie), and dear caretaker (Terry) by his side on March 19, 2024, in Seattle, WA. Being soft-hearted and hard-headed were his superpowers carrying him through challenging times, and he created a wonderful life of 89 years rich with adventure, achievement, love, and laughter. After earning his Masters in Engineering from LSU, he started his 35 years with Boeing at the Michoud Facility in New Orleans, where he contributed to the design of heat shields for the iconic Saturn V in the Apollo 11 mission. In 1974 after a cross-country drive to Bellevue, WA, Greg's career continued at Boeing, where his work ensured the airflow and temperature on 727, 737, and 757 flights were safe and comfortable. He retired in 1991. Greg tackled all his obsessions at 200%. In his early years, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, shared a Cessna with a friend, kept a motorcycle in his living room, and occasionally raced cars. Later with Cheryl, he raced Lightning sailboats on Lake Pontchartrain and then the chilly waters of the Puget Sound, securing an attic full of trophies and silver platters. He skied with legs perfectly pinned together on water and snow, slalom skiing (sometimes backwards) on Lake Concordia, LA and later every weekend down slopes in the Cascades with Laurie. When his body objected to thrill sports, he built and competed with large-scale RC airplanes. At 85 he was still riding his bike, playing soccer with grandkids, working in his rose garden, and occasionally cleaning the roof, despite everyone's objections. To say that Greg was a character would be an understatement. He did not believe in accidents, because in Greg's world, all life's best things were the result of grit, hard work, and chocolate. Greg is survived and beloved by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl; his ski-buddy and daughter Laurie; son-in-law Eric; his dear grandchildren Gus, Miles and Vivian; brothers Roger and Peter; and many nieces and nephews, who report that Uncle Greg gave them gifts their parents wouldn't have allowed and taught them the best tricks on water skis. Please visit https://www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/Gregory-Zettler for Greg's complete obituary or leave comments for the family.