Charles Arthur Kaake

CAPTAIN CHARLES ARTHUR KAAKE JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Born in Imlay City, Michigan, Charles "Chuck" Arthur Kaake Jr. developed an early passion for aviation. Growing up as one of seven children, he cultivated a relentless work ethic from a young age—delivering newspapers as a boy and cleaning out milk trucks during his high school years. He joined the Civil Air Patrol to get closer to his dream of flying.

A natural leader, Charles graduated as high school class president in 1953. He attended the University of Michigan before earning a coveted congressional appointment to become a member of the United States Air Force Academy's historic inaugural class. At the Academy, he immersed himself in engineering studies and was assigned to Cadet Squadron 5. During his cadet years, he met Lynetta "Netta" Perry, a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines, who would become his lifelong partner. The couple married on June 17, 1959, just days after graduation.

MILITARY SERVICE

Following graduation, Charles embarked on his active-duty career, initially entering pilot training at Spence Air Base in Georgia from 1959 to 1960. He subsequently transitioned to specialized navigation roles within critical Air Force research and development environments.

From 1960 to 1961, he served as a navigator with the 6650th Test Group out of Hanscom Field, Massachusetts. He was then stationed at Hickam Air Base in Hawaii from 1961 to 1963, flying as a navigator for the 6593rd Test Squadron—a historic unit heavily involved in satellite recovery operations during the early Space Race. He transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in 1964, concluding his service at the rank of Captain.

CIVILIAN CAREER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Moving his growing family back to Michigan in 1965, Charles transitioned into a highly successful engineering and corporate management career. He initially worked as an engineer for LTV Aerospace (Ling-Temco-Vought) in Warren, Michigan. Showing the same dedication that defined his youth, Charles worked full-time while pursuing his MBA at Wayne State University; with a busy household of young children, he routinely woke up at 3:00 AM to study in the quiet morning hours.

He went on to build a distinguished multi-decade career with the Dana Corporation. He steadily advanced through executive leadership roles, serving as Plant Manager for the Spicer Axle Division and later as Vice President and General Manager of the Weatherhead Division. His career took his family across the Midwest and South, including stops in Toledo, Fort Wayne, Cleveland, and Franklin. In 1986, he further sharpened his executive skillset by completing the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. He capped off his professional career as Vice President and General Manager of the Boston Weatherhead Division in Brentwood, Tennessee, retiring in 1997.

COMMUNITY, HOBBIES, AND LEGACY

Charles was deeply devoted to his family, raising six children alongside Lynetta. He remained actively involved in his community, dedicating significant time to his local church and the Boy Scouts of America. He never lost his passion for the skies, earning his private pilot’s license as a civilian so he could continue flying.

In retirement, Charles and Netta moved to Corydon, Indiana, to be closer to their grandchildren. They spent their golden years traveling extensively across North America in an RV, taking memorable trips to Alaska and spending winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Charles passed away in April 2006. To honor his lifelong commitment to hard work and education, his wife Netta established the Charles A. Kaake Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Harrison County Community Foundation, which provides financial support to students who are working their way through school.

EDUCATION

Year Degree / Program Institution
1953 High School Diploma Imlay City High School (MI)
1959 Bachelor of Science (Engineering) United States Air Force Academy
1971 Master of Business Administration (Management) Wayne State University (MI)
1986 Advanced Management Program Harvard University (MA)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Duty / Role Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Spence Air Base, GA
1960–1961 Navigator 6650th Test Group, Hanscom Field, MA
1961–1963 Navigator 6593rd Test Squadron, Hickam Air Base, HI
1964 Resigned Active Duty (Captain) USAF Reserve

MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Air Force Longevity Service Award
• National Defense Service Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medals / Unit Citations (associated with Test Group operations)