Joseph Nightingale

Nov 22, 1929 -

Jul 21, 2022

Joseph Charles Nightingale, 92, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. Born and raised in Fairmont, Minn., Joe had an interest in all things mechanical and aviation was an integral part of his life. He earned his pilot's license at 16, and joined the Army National Guard after graduating from high school.

In November 1951, Joe was selected for the first class of Army helicopter pilots, trained at Fort Sill, Okla., and flew in Korea at the end of the Korean Conflict. Joe married the love of his life, Lola May Sanders, in December 1951, and they enjoyed 69 adventure-filled years of marriage. Sadly, Lola passed before Joe in March 2021. As Joe suffered dementia in his final years, it seemed to him that Lola was always with him even though she may be playing bridge or shopping.

After his honorable discharge in November 1957, Joe immediately accepted a job as a helicopter pilot in Alaska. Lola joined him in February 1958, with their three eldest children in tow. The family lived in Soldotna for a couple of years and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, just prior to Nancy's birth in 1960.

Joe was employed with ERA Helicopters until retiring in 1983. He flew to the first oil well in Swanson River, brought the first Sikorsky S-62 to Alaska and flew in Nicaragua and Honduras. Joe piloted helicopters throughout Alaska, transporting many geologists, oil field workers and firefighters. His kids fondly remember Dad coming home for lunch and landing his helicopter in the back yard of their home on Needle Drive.

In 1985, after Lola retired, they moved to Nikiski, Alaska, where they built a home on property located between their two sons. They enjoyed over 35 years of "snowbirding" between Alaska and Arizona.

Joe is survived by his four children, Joseph Alvin Nightingale (Janice), Douglas Nightingale, Laura Henkelman (Joel) and Nancy Wiles (Michael); seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lola, in March 2021.

There will be no funeral; Joe and Lola were cremated and their ashes will be combined and spread by the family at a later date. Gifts in his memory may be directed to Hospice of the Central Peninsula, P.O. Box 2584, Soldotna, AK 99669.