Albert Elwood Lahtela

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the passing of Albert Elwood Lahtela, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cherished friend and neighbor to all who knew him. Albert died peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, surrounded by loving family members in the comfort of his home at Arbor Acres Continuing Care Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was 86 years old.

Albert was born on April 27, 1939, in the town of Republic in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where his love for country, family, and flight first took root. He went on to live a remarkable life shaped by courage, commitment, and quiet integrity.

Albert was a faithful man with a loving spirit. He proudly served his country as a Navy pilot during the Cold War, specializing in antisubmarine missions – a role that demanded precision, bravery, and a deep sense of duty. His service helped save lives and support fellow servicemembers during one of the most complex periods in American military history.

After completing his military service, Albert began a long and distinguished career spanning more than 30 years with Northwest Airlines, where he rose to the rank of Captain and flew international routes across the globe. He was respected by colleagues and passengers alike for his professionalism, leadership, and calm presence in the cockpit. He retired at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication in the field of aviation.

More than his accomplishments in the sky, Albert was the steady, loving heart of his family. He was married to Helen Faye Lahtela of Mount Airy, North Carolina, his beloved wife of 50 years, and was a proud and devoted father to Matthew James Lahtela and Kari Elizabeth Lahtela. He was also a deeply cherished grandfather to John Buck Lahtela.

Albert was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen; his children, Matthew and Kari; his parents, Werner and Lydia Lahtela of Republic, Michigan; his sisters, Dorothy Cox (Gordon Halonen) and Della Monett (Wally), both of Republic, Michigan; his brother-in-law, Richard Southerland of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; his sister-in-law, Judith Elizabeth Lahtela of Humboldt, Michigan; and his nephew, Brent Monett of Negaunee, Michigan.

He is survived by his brother, William Ardean Lahtela of Humboldt, Michigan; his grandson, John Buck Lahtela of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Southerland of Mount Airy, North Carolina. He is also lovingly remembered by many special nieces and nephews, including Sara Lakanen (Ed) of Ishpeming, Michigan, Susan Beyer (Kurt) of Lena, Wisconsin, and Gina Cupstid (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his special niece and caregiver, Amy Winter (Dr. Michael Winter) of Amelia Island, Florida, whose love and support brought Albert great comfort in his final years. Surviving nephews also include Mark Monett (Barbara) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Clint Monett (Kathy) of Linden, Tennessee, and Jeff Halonen of Republic, Michigan.

Albert brought laughter and comfort to everyone around him. He lived with humility, quiet strength, and an open heart. He loved sharing stories from his flying days, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and found joy in the company of his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, often listening to bluegrass songs while driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway on a sunny spring day or a colorful, crisp fall afternoon.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, honor, and grace – a life well lived, and a man deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date, along with a celebration of life gathering to honor Captain Albert Elwood Lahtela.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the BrightFocus Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation (22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871 or https://donate.brightfocus.org/) or the Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/), in recognition of his lifetime of service and compassion.

A special thank you to caregivers Debbie Barnard of Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and Lena Shackleford of King, North Carolina, for your loving support and dedication to caring for Uncle Al. Your kindness and care will never be forgotten.

The family also extends their deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Arbor Acres, who cared for “the Captain” for more than five years. Your dedication and loving support will always be remembered and treasured by Al’s family.

With deepest respect, we honor the life and legacy of Captain Albert Elwood Lahtela – forever remembered, forever loved.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy, North Carolina, is serving the family.