In Memoriam Page
In memorial of 440TH MDS members and civilians
Rick VanDerGeest,
Nick Quartuccio
Dean Sydlewski
Dick Dehart
Marty Czarnecki
Ron Wind
Don Fisher
Kenny Beck
John Strike
Al Shutta
Ron Campbell
Ron Hamby
Dr Nasir Rana
Dr. Celestino Perez
Marlene Zellmer-Civilian
Emily Queever Civilian- In Marlene office
Father Mike Schmitz
Louis Angelo Capriotti
Col. Ali A. Sadoughian
Reverend Michael D. Schmitz ("Father Mike") was a dedicated Catholic priest and U.S. Air Force veteran who spent his life in service to both God and country. He passed away on September 9, 2025, at the age of 79.Military Career (1966–1996)Active Duty & Reserve: Served 30 years total across active duty and Reserve Air Force —General Mitchell ARS-440TH MDS 1990-1996 .Global Assignments: Stationed in Vietnam (target intelligence), Germany (security police and later Desert Storm deployment), and various U.S. bases. Presidential Support: Procured materials for the Presidential Fleet (Air Force One) during the Nixon and Ford administrations.
Religious & Community Life (1996–2025)Ordination: Entered the seminary in 1990 and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1996.Parish Service: Served multiple Nebraska parishes, notably as pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Crofton and St. Andrew in Bloomfield from 2008 to 2016.Retirement: Continued serving as a chaplain in Yankton, South Dakota, and remained an active local sports fan until his passing.
