NEAR HURDLAND, MO. -- A northeast Missouri woman has an early, high-flying, breathtaking birthday celebration up her sleeve.
Anna Mae Hunziker, 75, of Hurdland plans to jump out of a plane at the upcoming Kirksville Regional Air Festival.
She said she's wanted to skydive for years.
She had planned to do it last year for her 75th birthday but didn't get around to it, so she's doing it this year.
Hunziker’s birthday isn't until December, but she's celebrating early.
She told KTVO her family had kind of discouraged it in the past, but her mind is made up.
"As a kid, my brothers and I used to jump out of the hay loft. I thought that was exciting. Reporter: "This will be a little bit different, you know!" Hunziker: "I think so. I'm looking forward to it. I had one daughter say, 'Is your insurance good?' and I said, 'Yeah, I think so,'" said Hunziker.
Hunziker won't be alone on her jump.
Two of her grandchildren will also be bailing out of the plane with her.
Her grandson, Kelby Hagerla, formerly from Edina, and his sister, Devon Hagerla Breitling, will take the leap with Hunziker.
Their jump is set to take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 12 at Kirksville Regional Airport.
Hunziker and her late husband, Jerry, flew their own Cessna 172 from 1965 to 1969 as members of the Missouri and International Flying Farmers.
Anna Mae was elected Missouri State Queen and International Flying Duchess for the years 1968-1969.
She flew around the country and to some of Canada’s provinces encouraging women to learn to fly and land their plane as a backup pilot in case of an emergency.
Hunziker said the upcoming skydiving event will be a great family affair.
It’s kind of a birthday event for all three of them. Devon’s birthday was in August, Kelby’s is this month and Anna Mae’s is December 21.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO