Leonard Eric Neitzke - Obituary

eonard E. “Nick” Neitzke June 8, 1932 – August 14, 2021 Leonard Eric Neitzke, child of God, was born to Erna and Eric Neitzke on June 8, 1932. He grew up on a farm in Hoskins, Nebraska and received his Christian training at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska, where he was baptized. Following his years of Bible instruction, he was confirmed and confessed his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus. Already as a young boy Nick decided his future would not be in farming but in flying. On his own he took flying lessons and received his pilot’s license at the age of 19. Following graduation from high school, Nick enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and served with distinction for 22 years. He served on board aircraft, first as a radio operator and chief control officer during the Korean War, and then during the Vietnam War as the boom operator on board large refueling aircraft tankers. Nick’s many assignments took him to bases around the globe. It was while he was stationed in Florida that Nick met Margaret DeSaulniers, the love of his life. They were united in holy matrimony on July 22, 1955 and together they were given the blessing of 66 years of married life. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Linda Locke, Michael Neitzke and Teresa Ullman. Wherever Nick’s assignments took him, he and Maggie worked together to make theirs a loving and secure home for their children. Nick’s final assignment was at Andrews Air Force Base. In retirement Nick volunteered his services through the USO organization for over 20 years. His love of country and of flying kept him close to the military community. In 1976 Nick and Maggie joined Divine Peace Lutheran family of faith. Throughout his active years Nick served the congregation as usher, elder and trustee. He was faithful in every assignment and never failed to complete his mission and acts of service. Nick was a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren: Christopher Neitzke, Matthew Neitzke and Marissa Okamoto; as well as his great-grandchildren: Cohen Neitzke, Harper Neitzke, Farrah Neitzke, Jaxson Neitzke, Delaney Neitzke and Emersyn Neitzke. Nick was preceded in death by his sister Marlene and his parents Erna and Eric Neitzke. Ever a patient and loving father, ever a Christian gentleman, Nick remained a humble servant of Jesus Christ to his end. Jesus said: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” A memorial service to celebrate Nick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11 AM at Divine Peace Lutheran Church, 1500 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. The family will receive visitors 30 minutes prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Divine Peace Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, MD 21122. The service at church can be viewed live on Zoom by clicking HERE. If prompted, the passcode is Jesus. Please take a moment to sign the family's online guestbook by visiting the Memory Wall link on this page.