William O. Bethke, born July 11, 1927, passed away June 30, 2012, at his home following a long struggle with emphysema.

Bill moved to Buckingham in 1978. He served in the Marine Corps from May 1945 to May 1949 as private first class.

Known as the “Master of Steel” he was a master machinist for 40 years, owner of B&B Precision Machine Shop in Paramount, Calif., for 10 years, and had a passion for making miniaturized replicas of airplane engines.

Bill is survived by his four children, daughter, Sandra (Steve) Foulkes; sons, Bill (Mary) Bethke, Rick (Pam) Bethke, and Mike (Joan) Bethke; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion of 35 years, Helen Bacin.

We will miss his sense of humor.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the funeral service following at 10 a.m. Friday, July 6, at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport.

He will be laid to rest at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .