Captain Edward  L. "Ted" Stickels age 93 of Arlington Heights, Illinois while surrounded by family, went with the Lord peacefully on November 13, 2023.  He was born in Holland, Michigan October 2, 1930. He loved sailing, both teaching and competing, winning several trophies. Ted took his first plane ride at a very young age at Park Township Airport on a Ford Trimotor. He attended Hope College (considering dentistry) before he enlisted in the USAF Cadets.  He then flew a T6, T28,T33, F80, F84 and F84F in the USAF during the Korean War. He was shot down and became a POW until he returned to the United States where his hometown Holland welcomed him with a parade. Then while in Bangor Maine Dow Air Force Base, Ted met his wife of 57 years. He was honorably discharged and relocated to Denver Colorado. While attending school, he checked out on a Cessna 140 for United Airlines. He subsequently served as an engineer and copilot on the DC6 and DC7 and a copilot on the Boeing 720. He eventually made his way up to captain on the Boeing 737 and DC8 when he retired in 1990. He volunteered at numerous places, including the Museum of Science and Industry, Lutheran General Hospital, and the local senior center where he spread the deep love that he had for others. He is preceded in death by his wife (Capt.) Lorene (Schofield) Stickels (the only date he ever had to salute goodnight), his firstborn daughter Pamela, his sister Barb (Colaro) and Tom, his parents Mel and Myrtle and step mom Vera.  He is survived by his daughter Kimberly and her daughter Amanda (his second daughter) his son Gregg (Stacey) and his grandson Adam and granddaughter Abbi his nieces Lynne Calero, Sue Rosenstein , Laurie (Ed) Puls and Roxanne . There are many four-legged friends in his life — numerous dogs, grand dogs and  neighborhood dogs. May his right pocket never be empty of treats!  We are privileged and honored to have him as our father and papa. We could not be more proud. As neighbors, friends, local dog walkers, and many more can attest, Papa was the kindest soul who knew no strangers. With an encouraging word or compliment for anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with him, Papa spread deep love through his ability to listen and see people who might not always feel heard or seen. He was an eternal optimist who always saw the bright side in the darkest situations. A service with full military honors at Dignity Memorial Gardens in Arlington Heights will be held at an unknown date.