New Horizons

Aux Plaines Chapter member VIRGINIA RABUNG flew to New Horizons on January 27, 2012, at the age of 94.

(The following tribute is from Aux Plaines Chapter member Shelley Ventura):

Virginia was a very special person and led a fascinating life. As a steadfast member of the 99s, EAA, Silver Wings and other organizations, Virginia was always ready to encourage anyone else interested in aviation. She was truly one of our early aviation pioneers and thrilled us with stories of flying multiple air races to Cuba and across Africa. Quick to laugh and naturally enthusiastic, she inspired me in so many ways, and I’ll treasure the memory of our friendship.

 Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 12:00 PM at the Kristan Funeral Home, 219 West Maple Ave, Mundelein, Illinois 60060.  Memorial Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. 

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JUANITA (NITA) FINEMAN, Life Member of The Ninety-Nines and longtime member of the Chicago Area Chapter died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Holy Family Hospital following a long illness.  Her funeral was held at Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park on Monday, December 5.  She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Glen and Hollie Fineman, 4 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a sister.  Her son Mark preceded her in death.

Memorials may be made to the Chicago Area Chapter of The Ninety-nines, c/o Donna Klein, Treasurer, 8710 Randolph Court, Woodridge, IL 60517-7540, or to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California Street, Omaha, NE 68154. 

                                                                             NITA FINEMAN

In 2009, Nita was one of three honorees at the Chicago Area Chapter 99s 75th anniversary luncheon.  She was proud to be a native Chicagoan.  She took her first flight on April 26, 1944, in a Piper Cub, and joined the Chicago Area Chapter 99s on March 6, 1954.  Nita was elected Chapter Chairman in 1971, and then elected Governor of the North Central Section in 1986.

At the luncheon the group was proud to celebrate Nita's 55th anniversary as a 99.

The 99s was a huge part of her life, reported her son and daughter-in-law.  We agree.  Nita will be sorely missed.

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FRANK PATRICK SCHORSCH, 49 1/2 of Chicago Area Chapter 99 Sharon Schorsch and father of AEMSF recipient Ann Marie Mellas, flew to New Horizons on Thurs. Nov. 10, 2011, while pheasant hunting in South Dakota with his bird-dog Rudder. Frank had not planned on the hunting trip but someone cancelled and Frank took his place as this was something he had always wanted to do.  He and his friend drove to SD because the 206 was getting painted.  They had a great day hunting, and It was rumored they took 75 birds.  After they were back at the cabin Frank decided to take Rudder out briefly to see if there were any more.  He didn't return, following a massive heart attack, and he was found on the ground, his faithful dog beside him.

He and Sharon had been married for 47 years and had three children and five grandchildren.   They did everything together, including piloting Tingmissartoq II, their Cessna 206 on amphibious floats. They attended the EAA convention every July since 1967.  Frank was dedicated to the 99s and just recently helped with the barbequing chores at the North Central Section meeting in Wisconsin.  He attended numerous chapter and section meetings and events, and his infectious humor and enthusiasm kept the 99s entertained and inspired.   He shared his books about WWII pilots with other 49 1/2s and his knowledge of WWII aircraft was legendary.

Services were held Nov. 17, 2011 at St. Alphonsus Church, New Munster, WI.  The graveside service included the firing of a 4 cannon (mini) salute and a flyover by 8 aircraft beginning with a P51 and ending with the same P51 doing a roll over the cemetery.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Injured Marine, Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, Post Mail Box, Oceanside, CA 92057. The complete obituary and guest book can be found at www.strangfh.com. 

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MARION SERVOS, a long time member of the Chicago Area Chapter, flew on to New Horizons on November 3, 2011 following a long illness.  Marion at one time was Chapter Vice Chairman and was the first Chair of our annual 2 day Safety Seminar.  She continued for many years, obtaining nationally well known aviation speakers, as well as selecting the sites for the Seminars.  Marion took over her husband's manufacturing business following his death and kept it going until her illness forced her retirement.  Marion had a gentle spirit and a joyful laugh which made her fun to be around.  We will all miss her and extend our sympathy to her family.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the 99s' Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund.

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