Roger Philip Neeland

Born June 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roger was the only child of Wendell Neeland and Leta Baker. He grew up on a cattle ranch near Chadron, Nebraska, where he graduated from Chadron High School before being accepted to the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated in 1964 and later earned a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT and a PhD in Engineering from UCLA. During his career, he returned to the United States Air Force Academy as an instructor, teaching astronautics to cadets.

Roger served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying helicopters in Southeast Asia and later piloting T-39 aircraft. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. One of his final assignments in the Air Force was working with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he helped develop heads-up display technology for aircraft, a system that would later be adapted for use in modern automobiles. After retiring from military service as a Lieutenant Colonel, Roger continued his career with GE Aerospace.

In 1965, Roger married Linda Ostlin, beginning a partnership that would span 61 years. Their life together carried them across the country during Roger’s Air Force career before they settled in Colorado in 1988. Together they raised three children and shared a love of travel, especially cruising and exploring the world.

Though aviation shaped much of his professional life, Roger also found great joy in cycling. An avid rider, he rode almost daily and competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games for 15 years, earning multiple medals. Cycling brought him both challenge and freedom and remained one of his lifelong passions.

Roger’s final day reflected many of the things he loved most. He and Linda attended church that morning, and later that day he went for one more bike ride in the beautiful early spring weather. Shortly after returning home, he passed away suddenly and peacefully with Linda by his side.

His family finds comfort in knowing he spent his final day doing what he loved and that he is now free from the physical pain he had experienced in recent years.

Roger was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa McLaughlin.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Neeland; his daughter, Kathleen Thomas, and her son, Devan; as well as his son, Michael Neeland, his wife, Kalani, and their children, Persephone and Theoden.