June 20, 1929 – March 26, 2019

William (Bill) Rathfelder, 89, passed away peacefully in Glendale on March 26. He was born to Charles and Lillian Rathfelder in Los Angeles on June 20, 1929. Bill was the eldest of his siblings – brother Chuck and sister JoAnn.

Bill married his first love Dorothy and they moved to La Crescenta in 1954 to make their home and start a family. Bill and Dorothy had two boys, David and Robert.

Bill attended Los Angeles City College and later transferred to UCLA, majoring in aeronautical engineering. Bill began working at Century Engineers in the San Fernando Valley, where he was quickly recognized by some of his counterparts at nearby Lockheed as a very talented young designer/drafter. Bill left Century to work for Lockheed in Burbank, where he spent most of his career. Over his lengthy career, Bill worked on a multitude of military and commercial aircraft, including helicopters.  Some of the more notable programs were the Super Constellation, L-1011, B-1, AAH-64, F-117A, and U-2. He ultimately concluded his career working on the X-33 program, retiring in 1994. 

In the 1980s, Bill attended Mount Olive Lutheran Church in La Crescenta where he remained actively involved in many things including playing the hand bells and choir.

As an avid amateur beekeeper for most of his adult life, Bill became a member of LA County Beekeepers Assn., where he was very active and served as treasurer for over 10 years. He expressed tremendous respect and admiration for those with whom over the years he established such a strong relationship.

Bill found great enjoyment anytime he was outdoors in nature and travelling on numerous adventures with his close companion Marguerite Keating. Bill and Marguerite were inseparable and would often spend time in the mountains, tending to fruit trees and his prized varieties of lilacs.

Bill is survived by his two sons David and Bob, and his four grandchildren – all of whom he was extremely proud. He will be greatly missed by all.