Francis N. "Nick" Lung

Francis N. “Nick” Lung passed away July 13, 2022 at the age of 93, in Mt. Morris, IL. Nick was an amazing and unique husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His sense of humor, generosity, cheerfulness and zest for life were contagious and enjoyed by all, especially his close and loving family.

Nick chased his aviation dreams from a young age and found both vocation and avocation as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a Captain with United Airlines. He was a co-founder of the Ogle County Airport, the Rock River Flyers and the Ogle County Pilots Association. He also belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 22 and 682, and volunteered for 19 years at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, during which he was Chief Judge of the Ultralight and Light Planes division. Nick established his own small airport, Westgrove Airport, at his beloved farm in Leaf River, IL. He also was a Flight Instructor for many years and taught many area pilots. Fellow professional pilots and recreational pilots have called him the best pilot they ever knew. Nick received numerous awards and accolades for his skill and professionalism and his name is listed several times at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Nick’s career in the Air Force and United Airlines took him all over the world. He never tired of being in the air and had a thousand stories to tell, many that may have resulted in his discharge from the Air Force had they been known at the time by his commanding officers. Nick loved going to work at United and left for each trip with a whistle on his lips. As well, he loved to come home and work on his farm. He took pleasure in every day and in everything he did. Always busy, Nick had a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm for his many hobbies and activities.

Although Nick had many friends in many different walks of life, he was best and deeply loved by his family. He was predeceased by his dear wife Ruth, who happily followed him around the country wherever his job took him, and who supported whatever adventure he imagined. Nick spent many of his retirement winters in Texas and the past twenty-one years with his loving wife Sharon both on his farm and their residence in Oregon, IL.

Nick enjoyed flying, farming, a good meal and a good cocktail. He was happiest surrounded by his children, grandchildren and extended family, regaling them with funny stories and goofy jokes. He never knew a stranger and never held a grudge. Nick is survived by Sharon, children Susan (Shayne) Christiensen, Nick (Nancy) Lung, Mary (David) Maxwell and Lucy (Steven) Cain, stepchildren Kirsten (Terry) Smith, Jim (Maila –dec'd) Hand, and David (Nancy) Tollstam. Nick also is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 pm on July 21st at St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston, IL. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ogle County Pilots Association, Mt. Morris, IL, or St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston, IL.