William Walter "Bill" Rienstra |
William Walter Rienstra
November 01, 1942 — October 21, 2023, 2009
William W. Rienstra (Age 80)
William W. Rienstra of Garrett Park, MD passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Casey House in Rockville, MD. Born on November 1, 1942, in Beaumont, TX to Lucille Wiley and John D. Rienstra, Bill is survived by his sister Connie Joiner and sister-in-law Ellen Rienstra. Bill's wife of 38 years is Barbara Jackson and their surviving children include Lynne Rooks (Travis); Stephen Rienstra (Cindy); John Rienstra; and Robert Rienstra (Yimei Cai.) Grandchildren include: Kristina Hardison (Chancey); Katherine Noonan; Michael Noonan; and Ian Rienstra. One great- grandchild, Jane Hardison. Bill's brothers, John (Bubba), Steve and Dick, and son, William, preceded him in death.
Bill earned his PhD in Physics at the University of Texas in 1969 under the supervision of Richard Matzner. His dissertation was entitled, "Shear-free gravitating perfect fluids with constant pressure-density ratio." He taught Physics at St. Edwards in Austin and at the University of Pittsburgh in PA. After many years working for ARA in Austin, Bill accepted a position with SAIC, initially setting up a division in Albuquerque, NM and later one in Austin, TX. Bill retired from SAIC after a 35 year storied career, filled with many strong friendships among colleagues. A true Renaissance man, Bill mastered ocean sailing, white water canoeing, scuba diving, beekeeping, fishing, drones, photography and qualified as an HVAC technician and electrician. Bill was the life of every party and a true raconteur.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for Bill's physician, Dr. Carlos Picone, whose expertise was only exceeded by his kindness. A celebration of life will be held for Bill at the Garrett Park Town Hall in Garrett Park, MD on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 2 p.m.