Families await Discovery crew launch as space dreams rise
Iowa and Minnesota families of five astronauts reflect pride and concern ahead of the Discovery mission. They recall early interests in space, note the dangers, and describe a country town, church ties, and school memories guiding their sons into NASA's program.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dick Scobee
Nelson
Scobee
Pinky Nelson
Pinky
Iowa
Matilda Hilmers
Hilmers family recalls astronaut brother from DeWitt to Glenview
Virginia Hotaling, sister of astronaut David Hilmers, reflects on growing up in DeWitt and their expanding family ties. She recalls their parents greenhouse business, moves from Washington to Illinois, and how David’s space career surprised their small town roots. Her sons admire David and the family cherishes shared memories.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Cornell College
Mount Vernon
Marine Corps Reserve
David
Nelson
Charles City
Pinky
Galesburg
Lil
Pink
Minn
Clinton High School
Battle Creek
Ida Grove
Hilmers
Virginia Hotaling
Glenview
Ill
Lyn Husted
Huntington Beach
Calif
Kimberly Fernelius
New London
Lynn Benecke
Vinton
Lynn
Cornell
California
Benecke
Laurens
Discovery
Ann
Des Moines
Bill
Princeton
Lee
Shirley Benecke
U.S
Lynn Hilmers
David Hilmers
Py Vare Newr
Johnson Space C. Houston
Daniel
Ginia
Virginia
Washington, D.C
DeWitt
Clinton
Jack Hotaling
Chris
Rhodi
Cage
Dave
Bay Virginia
Simpson College
Indianola
Dave Hilmers
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Ey of
Shuttle
Pige
George v. Nelson
Willmar
Minnesota
Knox College
Leeland
Shirley
State Bank of Vinton
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American Federal
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Federal