Jack Austen Mleynek Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jack A. Mleynek 1937 – 2013 Jack Austen Mleynek, of Sandy, Utah, passed away December 6, 2013 due to complications from cancer. He was born February 27, 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska to Fred J. and Ella Mleynek. Jack attended North High School in Omaha and earned a BA at the University of Colorado. He was active in scouting throughout his high school years, working on the staff at the council scout camp during the summer months. In college he worked for the forest service as a smoke-jumper and as a water front director at a camp in the Canadian San Juan Islands. After graduation he served for four and a half years as a Marine attack pilot, including service on the U.S.S. Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Upon discharge in Japan, Jack and two squadron mates made their way south through the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia to Australia and New Zealand where Jack spent several months mountain climbing. He then drove a 90cc Honda motorcycle across Australia and from Sri Lanka to London. In 1966, he became a commercial airline pilot and flew for thirty years with Western and Delta Airlines. After retiring, he built and flew an F-1 Rocket experimental aircraft. Jack belonged to the American Literacy Council, an organization that works to create more logical spelling patterns. He is survived by his wife and true love, Elizabeth (Betsy), their daughter Tara (Darren Gonzol), by his son Lance Mleynek (Jennifer Sullivan) and daughter Natasha Mleynek (Andy Boucher) from his first marriage, and by his brother Loren and sister Nancy (Norbert) Hildebrandt. His passion for life, sense of humor and unconditional love will live on forever in our lives, and he will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to The Boy Scouts of America or to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Jack Austen Mleynek

February 27, 1937 - December 6, 2013