Obituary for Jack LeRoy Tueller
1921 - 2016 (age 95)

One of the Greats of that Greatest Generation has flown into history. Jack LeRoy Tueller, Col. USAF Ret., died August 15, 2016 in Bountiful, Utah.

Jack was born January 28, 1921 to Percival and Augusta Snow Tueller in Evanston, WY. Orphaned at age six, he was raised by an aunt and uncle. As a little boy he was introduced to two great loves that would shape his life: playing the trumpet and airplanes. Encouraged by his aunt, Jack excelled in music. In high school he received first place in the brass instrument competition for the state of Wyoming. He attended Brigham Young University 1938-1940 seeking a degree in music and was a soloist for the Cougar Concert Band. Jack played a trumpet solo for the first coast-to-coast radio broadcast by BYU. However, the biggest highlight of his band participation was when he met another trumpet player, his future sweetheart, Marjorie Rogers. They courted while Jack played in dance bands throughout the area, and continued to nurture his passion for airplanes. In 1941, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, graduating from flight school at Luke Field, Arizona. Jack and Marjorie were married in the Mesa Arizona LDS temple on March 17, 1942.

As WWII began, Jack was assigned as a flight instructor. In 1943 he entered combat as a fighter pilot, flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang in more than 100 missions over Europe, including the D-Day invasion and other key battles. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and seventeen other air medals. Jack made the USAF his career and advanced to the rank of colonel. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He flew in 28 different fighter and bomber aircraft and had over 7000 flying hours to his credit. Jack served in the Strategic Air Command as well as the Missiles and Space Command at the Pentagon. He was commander of the 2705th Air Munitions Wing at Hill Air Force Base during the Viet Nam war. This unit received the Presidential Citation for outstanding performance. Twice, Jack received the Legion of Merit, the nation’s highest peacetime award.

His military career meant moving and adventure for the family. They lived in Florida, Arizona, London, Nebraska, California, Virginia, and Utah. Despite many moves, Jack was determined to complete his education, attending night school at various universities for several years. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in aeronautical engineering. After retiring from the USAF in 1964, Jack became vice-president of two engineering firms. He retired at age 78.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jack served faithfully in numerous church callings throughout his life, but especially in youth programs. Many of the youth he served, now as older adults, recall the significant influence he made in their lives, many of which were life changing. Some still recall his taking them up in his airplane when they met their individual goals. Jack and Marjorie served as church service missionaries for fifteen years. He cared for Marjorie for many years, as her health declined due to Alzheimer’s. After 69 years of marriage, she passed away in 2011.

Throughout his life, Jack continued to play his trumpet. In his later years, he found great joy in making music and sharing the lessons he had learned in life with others. He inspired individuals and groups, playing at weddings, funerals, scout events, care centers, youth conferences, school groups, and large and small events. He cheered up neighbors and those who were lonely. He would often practice his trumpet in the canyon near his home. Many hikers and joggers have enjoyed being serenaded by “Colonel Jack”. He has been featured on local and national news, TV documentaries, National Public Radio, CNN, and Music and the Spoken Word with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. His life stories have been incorporated into school curriculum materials. His children and grandchildren consider him their hero.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers, and one granddaughter. He is survived by his six children: Rosanne (Norman) Nielsen, Carolyn Markwith, Sharman Tueller, Janine Tueller Mickelson, Shayne (Pam) Tueller, and Stephen (Camille) Tueller, twenty-six beloved grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, 12:00 noon at the Canyon Park Ward, 1190 E. Bountiful Hills Drive, Bountiful, UT. Visitations will be held at the church the evening before, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and 10:00-11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral.

Online condolences can be sent to www.serenityfhs.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the LDS Church General Missionary Fund.


2015 tribute by KSL TV