John C. “Johnny” Bielstein

Lima

John C. “Johnny” Bielstein, 76, of Fort Washington, Md., formerly of Lima, died Dec. 13, 2011, in Fort Washington, Md.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1935, in Parma to John W. and Marvel L. Bielstein, who preceded him in death. On May 15, 1960, he married Kay Rex, who survives.

Mr. Bielstein attended Beaverdam High School, graduated from Lafayette High School and received his bachelor's degree in history from George Washington University. He discovered a passion for flying when Dottie Anderson took him up in a plane out of the Bluffton Airport. That passion never ceased. His first solo flight was in January 1954 and he continued to fly throughout his life and accumulated more than 25,000 flight hours. He served in the Ohio National Guard for five years and was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a pilot. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1971, and retired as a major in 1980 after 20 years. His last assignment was with the 89th Squadron, the presidential wing. Following his retirement, he continued his love of flying as a pilot for Midway Airlines. He then flew for Air Aruba until retiring from commercial flying at the age of 60.

He was baptized in October 1947 as a member of Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, Lima. He was a 50-year member of the Aircraft Owner Pilots Association and a member of the Civil Wings Fraternity. He was also a master Mason with Sager Lodge 513, Lafayette, with 41 years of membership. He was also a member of the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Ada, and Findlay Commandery 49, Findlay.

Survivors also include two sons, Gary (Olga) Bielstein, of Waldorf, Md., and Lee (Susan) Bielstein, of Bellevue, Neb.; a daughter, Traci (Steve) Roth, of Findlay; and six grandchildren, SilverLyn Roth, Rachel Bielstein, Falkyn Roth, Max Bielstein, Skye Bielstein and Nathan Bielstein.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Pleasant View Church of the Brethren. Pastor Mark Bowyer will officiate. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Uniopolis.

Friends may call from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Eastside Chapel, where a Masonic Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. and one hour prior to services Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Medical Center of Dayton.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.