JON FRANK NITKOWSKI, - age 73 of the Tellico Village Community, Loudon, TN lost his tenacious battle with cancer at home on July 28, 2012. Jon was a 1956 graduate of Oshkosh High School in Oshkosh, WI, a 1961 graduate from West Point Military Academy, and held a masters degree from the University of Utah.

He served 3 tours in Vietnam and one during the Gulf War.

Jon was the youngest Commander to command a Nike Missile Base during the Cold War, C-47 in Wheeler, IN, from 1965 to 1967. Between his tours in Vietnam Jon taught leadership at West Point.

Jon retired from the Army with the rank of Colonel.

Following his military service Jon worked as an engineer in the aerospace industry.

Jon married Mary (Fraik) in 2001 and lived in Upper MI until they moved to the state they would call home, Tennessee.

Jon was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendy Keefer in June of 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT; his father Walter; mother Elizabeth; and brother James. He is survived by his wife, Mary; children Steven Nitkowski of Columbia, MO; step-sons Mark Matiszik of St. Louis, MO and C. J. Matiszik of Hermosa Beach, CA; grandchildren Tavin, Sophie, Libby and Luke Matiszik and sisters Mary Ann Nevitt and Kate Rogge of WI.

At a later date, to be determined, Jon will be laid to rest at the West Point Military Academy's cemetery.

Jon lived his life by the cadet honor code that he taught at the Academy - A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.