~ In Memory Of ~

GAF/USAF Veteran, WA/DL Capt. Wolfgang Walter Zink, “Gori”

~ October 05, 1940 to February 11, 2025 ~

Wolfgang was born October 05, 1940 in Dietersweiler Baden-Württemberg Germany. He originally studied to become an electrician but decided to join the new German Luftwaffe in 1959 instead. He was sent to the United States shortly after basic flight training to attend the newly instated joint training program with the USAF at Williams AFB and later Luke AFB. There he trained in the T-33 and later piloted the F-84F. His “Jabo 32” squadron mates and friends mostly referred to him by his callsign “Gori”. In 1962, Wolfgang met and married his wife of 56 years Bette in Mesa Arizona and soon after decided to live in the United States full-time.

In 1966 Wolfgang decided to pursue a career of flying for commercial airlines and ultimately ended up being hired by Western Airlines where he was based in LAX and SLC flying B707, DC-10 and 737 before merging with Delta Airlines and flying around the world in the 757/767 based out of JFK until his retirement in 2000.

After retirement Wolfgang enjoyed time with his family, many friends and squadron-mates. His love of flying never diminished as he became an honorary member of the “Cactus Starfighter Squadron” at Luke AFB where he cherished the opportunity to share stories with fellow German airmen young and old and to participate in their charity and social events.

Wolfgang took his final flight west from Scottsdale, AZ the morning of February 11, 2025 and is survived by his son Matt, daughter-in-law Traci, Grandsons Corbin and Larson, sister-in-law Patricia, half-brother Eugene and countless others who he touched through the years.