Walter Lawrence Natzic

Walter L. Natzic, 91, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Meridian, Idaho. He was born in New Castle, PA on August 30, 1930 to Carl and Helen Natzic. He held various jobs during his high school years and went on to join the US Air Force in 1949. After returning home from the Air Force he met Donna and was married in 1954. He drove trucks and fixed TV’s and appliances to support his family.
Most of Walt’s management and engineering career was with Bendix Field Engineering where he worked in several locations (on the east coast and in Barstow, Mountain View and Pasadena, CA). His focus was space programs, which included Pioneers 10 and 11, Mariner, Ranger, Surveyor and Lunar Orbiter. He received multiple NASA Public Service Awards both as an individual and as part of his teams. Although he retired in 2000, he never lost his love of the space program and continued to be amazed by new developments.
After retiring he enjoyed golf in Georgia and was active there with the Navy League. He loved the sunshine and warm weather in Arizona and then moved to the mountains of New Mexico before finally settling with Donna in Meridian, Idaho.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Donna (Primavere) of Edinburg, PA, sister Estelle Ordak and brother Joseph Natzic as well as 9 children, 26 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.