Lt. Col. (ret.) Kenneth L. Nellermoe of Tucson died Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

Born on a farm near Kindred, ND on June 17, 1930, Ken graduated from Kindred H.S. in 1948 and the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He joined the US Air Force in 1950 and served multiple tours in Viet Nam. A flight instructor and test pilot, he flew 66 missions north and south of Hanoi as a "pathfinder," 107 photo recon missions while based in Thailand and was Chief of Exercise Plans at Shaw AFB, retiring in 1974. He and his family moved to Fargo, ND to be near their parents.

He worked at Metropolitan Federal Savings Bank until a second retirement in 1990. After moving to Tucson in 1993 he enjoyed golf, shuffleboard and travel but especially the many friends he made here. Throughout his life, Ken was a consummate team player. He accepted leadership roles in his church and many civic and sporting activities.

He is preceded in death by his parents John Sr. and Mabel Nellermoe of Kindred, ND, brothers Richard, Allan, brother-in-law Willard Hase, and his niece Anna.

He is survived by his three children: Paul of Scottsdale, Kristine (Mike Blankendaal) of Chattanooga, TN, and Mark (Laurie) and three grandchildren Michael, Nicole and Kelly of Farwell, MN and his former wife Donata Nellermoe of Fargo, ND. He is also survived by four brothers: Don (Joyce) of San Antonio, TX; Roy (Darlene) of Hood River OR, Howard (Joan) of Gladstone, OR; John Jr. (Barbara) of San Antonio, his sister, Betty Hase of Hood River; his companion Annette Hayse of Tucson and scores of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral service was held Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church in Tucson at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the church. A celebration of his life with friends and family was held at the Far Horizons East clubhouse at Noon on Sunday, January 20, 2008. Interment will be in Christine, ND.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity supporting veterans or to Christine Lutheran Church, Christine, ND 58015.

Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 1/19/2008.