At 99, WWII veteran takes to the skies for one more adventure

John Ehlert stood propped up by his walker, the wind tugging at his jacket Tuesday morning as he prepared for another adventure – a short but meaningful flight in a bright yellow Boeing-Stearman biplane at Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prairie.

At 99, the World War II veteran still lives independently in an apartment at Beacon Hill in Minnetonka and is gearing up to celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 27. Despite his age, Ehlert remains active and sharp, fiercely holding onto his self-sufficiency.

“Well, I’m alive and still on two feet,” Ehlert quipped when someone commented on how well he was doing for his age.

A flight for the ages

Tuesday’s event honored veterans by featuring five seniors, including John Ehlert, the sole WWII veteran, who took to the skies over clear but windy Minnesota in a Stearman biplane. Four participants – Ehlert, Kurk Ransom, Lon Rogness, and Al Holmbeck – were from Beacon Hill, a Presbyterian Homes & Services community, while Jack C. Whereatt was from Johanna Shores, another Presbyterian Homes & Services community.

Dream Flights, based in Carson City, Nevada, has conducted 6,960 flights for veterans and seniors since 2011, funded by sponsorships like Sport Clips and donations.

Molly Littlefield, pilot, and her husband, Keith Littlefield, crew chief, are Dream Flights volunteers from the Seattle area. They brought the Stearman from the Chicago area, offering veterans a chance to fly in the historic World War II-era aircraft. The plane will continue to Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of Dream Flights’ mission to honor veterans.

“Molly and I have had long careers in aviation, but this is by far the most meaningful flying we’ve ever done,” said Keith, explaining that Molly retired as a United Airlines pilot and he, after serving as a U.S. Air Force pilot, retired from Alaska Airlines. “We’ve been able to give back in ways we never imagined.”

Before taking the five veterans up in the plane, Molly shared her special connection to the Stearman. Her father, a World War II flight instructor, taught her to fly in his own Stearman, and she later passed that tradition on to her son.

“It played a crucial role in training so many of our World War II pilots, helping the U.S. build a strong Air Force and Navy aviation program,” she said. “It all started with the Stearman, which I like to say helped train our young men to save the country during World War II.”

After the war, the planes were repurposed for agricultural crop dusting before being replaced by more efficient aircraft. “So, in a way, they’ve fed the country as well,” she added.

Even though Ehlert initially downplayed the idea of flying in the Stearman, his son Bill could tell his father was eager for the experience.

“Yeah, I think more than he lets on,” Bill said. “For a while, he was like, ‘Aw, I don’t care if I go or not.’ But he does.”

War stories emerge later in life

As Ehlert stood inside Thunderbird Aviation, waiting for his 10-minute turn in the sky, Bill said his father didn’t start talking about his wartime experiences until Bill was in his 60s.

“He had no interest in talking about it until he got older,” Bill said. “He went through a long period when he had nightmares. When he came back, he didn’t talk to anybody for like three months. Not to his family, not to anybody.”

The family eventually learned that Ehlert, born in Minneapolis to German immigrants, served in the infantry during World War II. According to his son, he was involved in intelligence work, spending much of his time behind enemy lines locating German artillery positions. His fluency in German, thanks to his heritage, made this dangerous work possible.

Ehlert earned three battle stars for his service in the Battle of the Bulge, Central Europe, and the Allied occupation of Germany.

“He wasn’t fighting Germans; he was fighting Nazis,” Bill said. “He always made sure we knew the difference.”

Following the war, Ehlert earned a master’s degree in teaching from Harvard University and became a biology teacher at Edina High School, where he taught for his entire career. After retiring, he built a log cabin in northern Minnesota and lived there until last year, when he moved to Beacon Hill.

“It took a lot of convincing to pry him loose, but he likes it down here now,” Bill said.

A special moment

Once Ehlert returned from his flight, Molly handed him a signed Dream Flights cap and thanked him for his service.

“We’re free because of gentlemen and women like you,” Molly said.

“Oh, you’re nice,” Ehlert replied with a grin.

“Well, it’s the truth,” she said. “Doesn’t everybody think that?” People around the plane clapped. “Amen,” she said.

“Well, Amen,” John repeated.

The highlight came when Molly invited Ehlert to add his name to the plane’s tail, alongside the signatures of other World War II veterans.

For the Dream Flights crew, Ehlert’s signature represents the resilience and spirit of the greatest generation.

“When we get someone who has flown this plane to sign the tail, it’s a special moment for us too – almost like a badge of honor,” Molly said. “So thank you for blessing us.”

“Well, thank you for letting me come up,” Ehlert said. “It was a good ride.”

Molly then reminded him that veterans can fly again on a Dream Flight each year after turning 100.

“Really?” Ehlert said, his voice rising with excitement.

“Yeah,” she replied. “So, you’ve got to stay strong so you can climb in that airplane.”

With a grin, Ehlert responded, “Alright. I only have three months to go.”