Delbert Emil Oldenburg, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
December 26, 1931 – May 11, 2024

Delbert (Del) Emil Oldenburg, age 92, of Burnsville, formerly of Prior Lake and Savage, passed away peacefully on May 11. Del was born on 26 December 1931 to Emil and Lillian (Ebel) Oldenburg in Spring Lake Township, Scott County, MN. Del was baptized on 17 January 1932 and confirmed in the Christian faith in May 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran, Fish Lake. The second of four children, Del grew up on two farms east of Lydia along with sisters Lorraine, Marian and Eunice. Del graduated from Jordan High School in June 1949 and then completed a Junior Accounting Course at the MN School of Business in August 1950.

Del had a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and on 14 April 1952 he enlisted in the USAF, qualifying for the Aviation Cadet Program, and began pilot training in January 1953. Del graduated from pilot training on 14 April 1954 receiving his pilot wings and 2nd Lt. gold bar. He also received a Jet Flying Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Del met the love of his life, Suzanne (Sue) Tinker, of South Minneapolis, on a blind date in February 1951. After Del’s pilot training, he returned to Minnesota where he and Sue were married on 17 April 1954 at Mt. Olivet Lutheran in Edina, MN. They departed MN on 18 April driving to Del Rio, Texas, their first duty station. Over the next 13 years, Del was assigned to Air Force bases in TN, two separate three-year tours in France, and Dayton, Ohio, instructing pilots in the C-119, T-29 and the DC-3. The family was blessed with four children, David (1955), Mark (1956), Sandra (1961) and Lisa (1964), and enjoyed traveling together to all assignments.

In November 1967 Del was assigned to helicopter school to learn to fly the UH-1F (Huey) in preparation for a tour in Viet Nam. He graduated from the school on 20 February 1968 receiving a Most Outstanding Student award. Del arrived in Viet Nam in March 1968 and was assigned to fly a UH-1F Gunship in a Special Operations Unit. During the year, Del flew over 600 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (2), the Air Medal (9) and the Purple Heart. Del departed Viet Nam in March 1969, and the family moved to Grand Forks, ND.

Del completed his Air Force service at Grand Forks AFB on 31 August 1972 after over 20 years, having attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. He moved his family to Burnsville, MN to begin their life as civilians.

Del joined Flight Transportation Corporation (FTC) in Eden Prairie as Chief Pilot. He flew private jet charters, served on the executive board, and was an FAA Examiner. Del then pursued a career with Northwest Orient Airlines as a Pilot Training Simulator Instructor for the Boeing 757. Del retired from this position in 1997 but served as a consultant for the 757 simulator for four additional years.

Throughout his life, Del had an interest in building. He built three of his own homes and two church additions. He was also eager to help his children build their cabins, garages, and a pole barn.

Del dedicated his heart and soul to serving the Lord through his work as an Elder. He also served with the Bloodmobile ministry, food shelf, and as a member of the outreach (evangelism) board.

Del and Sue enjoyed travelling to many places together, including China, Thailand, Europe, South Korea, Norway, and Hawaii.

Del was dedicated to his family, sharing his love of Jesus through family devotions. He took them on family camping trips across the whole country. The family also enjoyed spending time at Prior Lake, boating and swimming.

Del is survived by children David (Phyllis) Oldenburg, Mark (Judy) Oldenburg, Sandra (Brian, deceased) Doyle, and Lisa (Thomas Jr.) Bennett; grandchildren Paul (Bridget) Oldenburg, Ann Marie (Tim) Myre, Elizabeth Doyle, Alex (Rachel) Doyle, Lauren (Sean) McGrath, Thomas Bennett III, Jackson Bennett, and Kathleen Doyle (engaged to Evan Powell); great-grandchildren Jaron, Seana and Adara Oldenburg, Quinton Myre, Frances and Oliver McGrath, and Rowin and Olivia Doyle; other relatives and friends.

Del was welcomed to his heavenly home by his Lord and Savior, his wife Sue, parents, and sisters.

A visitation will be held at White Funeral Home in Burnsville, MN on May 19 from 2 to 5 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN on May 20 at 10:00 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.