William Wood Niendorff
August 27, 1932 - July 23, 2009
Obituary
In memory of William W. Niendorff, August 27, 1932-July 23, 2009: An avid mountain climber and skier, Bill ski-climbed Mt. St. Helens and summited Mt. Rainier and many other peaks. As a member of the 1952 King Peak Expedition, he recorded first ascents of the East Ridge of King Peak and of Mt. Augusta in the St. Elias Range. Strongly independent, Bill encouraged critical thinking in others. He spent 32 years as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, 25 years as a captain of 707s, DC-10s and 747s. He is survived by his wife Gayle, sons Mike and Dan, daughter Beth, daughter-in-law Cindy, son-in-law Kirk, and grandchildren Otto, Tanner, Harvey, Natalie and Hal. Bill asked that remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society.
Gayle and Family – So glad we got to know Bill. He did so much in his lifetime. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories to hold on to. Gayle, your tennis family has truly missed you and is anxious to have you back with us.
Love Bonnie and Jerry
Many years ago we were neighbors in Somerset. I have fond memories of you all. The Mabus family send their condolences.
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We had many enjoyable flights together.
To Bill’s Family, please add my respect and appreciation. One of the fine colleagues who made being an NWA pilot the world’s best job. So Long, Avie
Dear Gayle, I am so sorry. I think of you so often and wish so much that I had called. My love to you, Mike, Dan and Beth.
Gretchen
Gayle,
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Janet and Mike
Johnson
We miss you, Bill.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tough time! I will always have fond memories of staying at your house for a few months after high school when my mom moved away–thanks for taking me in! Best wishes to all of you!
“Best Man” at our wedding. Great room mate, hiking buddy, flying buddy, and friend. He will be missed.
Dear Gail and family,
We are sitting here in Montana with Warren and June, thinking of you and reminiscing about old times, thankful for our times together.
Laila and Dudley