 Esther Emma Rose Noffke Esther Emma Rose Noffke was born March 16, 1922, in Bonfield, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Henerrita Noffke; and her sisters, Alma Berberovich and Mildred Reiniche. She is survived by her sister, Hilda Schultz; brother, Edward (Maggie) Noffke; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She graduated from Union Hill Grade School and Reddick High School. In September 1943 she joined "WASP" Women Airforce Service Pilots, assigned to the 318th AAF Flying Detachment in Sweetwater, TX. She received her pilot certificate in June 1944 and was assigned B-26 flying duty at McGowen Field, Boise, ID. She received the Congressional Gold Medal in April 2010 as "WASP" were recognized for service to their country. From 1970 to 1972 she served on the Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation under President Johnson. In 1997 she was elected to the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame. In 1945 she joined Priester Aviation as a flight instructor as Priester began operation as a flight training school. From 1953 to the present she was administrative assistant to George Priester and his team in the development of Palwaukee Airport. She will be lying in state Tuesday, from 9 a.m. until Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Raymond de Penafort Church, Elmhurst Road (Route 83) at Lincoln St., Mount Prospect. Entombment All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Esther Noffke Aviation Scholarship Fund at SIU. Arrangements were made by Friedrichs Funeral Home, Mount Prospect.
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