April 26, 1928 – Nov. 11, 2019

Richard F Rathcke, born April 26, 1928, died Nov. 11 at 91 amazing years. He survived by his wife of 26 years Peggy; he was preceded in death by his first wife Elnora and his grandson Nicholas Steinbacher. Richard is survived by his children George (Marigrace) of Wawona, California; Carolyn Steinbacher (Paul) of Minden, Nevada; Richard of Acton; Kenneth(Naomi) of Las Vegas; two stepsons, Jeff of Washington and Oliver of Ojai; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He served four years in the Air Force.

Richard retired from JPL after 32 years of service where he was awarded a certificate of appreciation and an exceptional service medal for his work starting with the Ranger project through the Galileo project. 

As a younger man he was an avid hiker and fisherman and through the years he taught his sons and daughter to love and appreciate nature. He learned to fly fish in his 70s and enjoyed many guided trips with friends, his children and grandchildren. 

He will be greatly missed by us all.