ELFTMANN JOHN W

LTC John W. Elftmann was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/28/2021 at the age of 87.9 from Alzheimers
Blair, NE
Date of Birth 08/17/1933
Served in the U.S. Air Force
Served in Vietnam with 606 ACS in 66-67, 20 HS 14 ACW in 67
Call signs in Vietnam LUCKY TIGER, GREEN HORNET
This information was provided by Lyle Borders

More detail on this person: John William Elftmann Jr. Colonel USAF (ret). August 17, 1933 - July 28, 2021 John was born in Berwyn, IL and passed away peacefully in Omaha on July 28, 2021. The son of John Sr. and Earla (Oshel) Elftmann and brother of Lillian Jane. Following college John joined the Air Force and began a 30 year career that stationed him in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and numerous stateside locations. For his service he earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman's Medal, and Bronze Star. John married Martha "Marty" Shook on June 6, 1959 and they enjoyed 62 years of wedded bliss. They raised three children as the Air Force moved the family around the country and over to Germany before he retired in Bellevue, Nebraska. After retiring from the Air Force he enjoyed successful careers at Mutual of Omaha and First Data Corporation which relocated him to London, England. Eventually, John retired for good and he and Marty made their way to Blair, Nebraska. Although retired, John did not settle down and spent many years as a volunteer driver for the Motorist Assist unit of the Nebraska State Patrol. He and Marty continued to travel the world and he enjoyed hosting his children and grandchildren at his "house on the hill" in Blair. John is survived by his wife Martha "Marty", daughter Karin Elftmann-Gross (Jimmie), daughter Linda Hanson (David), son John (Karen), grandchildren Rachel Lucas (Kevin), Matthew Moore, Rebecca Cartwright (Mike), Patrick Hanson, Christina Hanson, Sarah Elftmann, John "Jack" Elftmann, and 6 great grandchildren. Lastly, John never stopped looking for William/Bill "Deano" Dean with whom he served in Vietnam. The family would greatly appreciate contact info for Bill or his family. Please e-mail fawnridge@elftmann.com. Visitation: Saturday, August 7, 3:00-4:30 p.m., followed by Funeral Service: at 4:30 p.m. both at Bellevue Memorial Chapel (2202 Hancock Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005) Streaming details TBA at www.heafeyheafey.com/category/obituaries/ Interment - Military Honors: Monday, August 9, 1:00 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery (14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, NE 68138) Memorials: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (www.vvmf.org) or Cure Alzheimer's Fund (www.curealz.org) Mike, John was My neighbor when I was in high school one day he flew a huey and hovered at our houses it was John that got me interested in flying. Also it was after listening to some of his war stories that had me reach out to you about the Air Force helicopter contribution in SE Asia. so with that said I want to congratulate you and the other authors on a very fine story in the Aviator Lyle

Burial information: Omaha National Cemetery

This information was last updated 08/01/2021

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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