Fred "Mad Dog" Gilbert Zoltz

Born in Williamsport, Ohio to Elmer Levi and Tennie Hicks Zoltz, Fred joined the US Air Force at eighteen and served his country with distinction. While stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Katherine "Kay" June Zoltz of Brunswick, Maine. Together for nearly 63 years of marriage, they lived across the globe—from Germany to Thailand—before Fred retired from active duty in 1981 as a decorated air-traffic controller, earning numerous life-saving "saves" throughout his distinguished career.

Fred's passion for aviation soared beyond retirement. For nearly three decades (1981-2010), he transformed the March Air Force Base Aero Club in Moreno Valley, California, from a modest organization with three aircraft into a thriving club boasting twenty planes. During this remarkable tenure, Fred became a SoCal aviation legend as leader of the March Field Aero Club Flight Demonstration Team "Dragon Flight," piloting signature Beechcraft T-34 Mentors at airshows throughout the southwestern United States in honor of America's servicemen and women. His infectious love of flying inspired countless pilots through instruction, safety training, and generous mentorship.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, beloved "big brother" Leon Zoltz (May 2024), and sister Genevieve Shirley Gilpen (August 2022).

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Kay; daughters Cindy (Ron) Beausoliel and Sandie (Mark) Desrosiers, his best buddies and favorite troublemakers; five adoring grandchildren—Amanda (Jorden) Sharick, Jesse Moreno, Jennifer Desrosiers, and Allison Desrosiers; and several devoted nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family and the entire flying community that he so passionately served.

The family welcomes flowers or donations to Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California (https://www.bassethoundrescue.org/) in memory of Fred G. Zoltz.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2