Dr. William (Bill) Fredieu Rachal

Dr. William (Bill) Fredieu Rachal, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on February 23, 2024. Bill will be lovingly remembered and missed by his three children, William Rachal, Jr., Denise Hannan, and Diana Craig, as well as his grandchildren, Rowan Craig, Nolan Hannan, Darren Hannan and Kayley Hannan and many extended family members and friends. Diana La Borde Rachal, his college sweetheart and wife of 56 years, predeceased him in late October 2023.

Bill grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Louisiana State University for his undergraduate and medical degrees. Following medical school, from 1967 to 1972, he served in the United States Army, stationed at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii and serving as an Army Flight Surgeon. Bill then completed his residency at the Tulane University Department of Ophthalmology and performed his Fellowship at the University of Iowa Medical and Surgical Retina. He practiced as an ophthalmologist specializing in diseases and surgery for the retina for over 50 years. Bill was a gifted surgeon and compassionate physician who cared deeply for his patients and colleagues.

Bill lived a rich life full of happiness, family, friends, adventure, and his many projects. Bill travelled extensively with his wife and enjoyed learning and mastering new experiences, such as snow-skiing, swimming and riding a motorcycle. He was thorough and passionate about learning, tinkering and fixing and spent endless hours on detailed projects maintaining his cherished New Orleans home. Bill also had a lifelong commitment to fitness and golf. At 79, he was regularly exercising, lifting weights and working on further improving every aspect of his golf game.

Bill’s main love was his wife, Diana, and his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, always finding the time to listen and give his advice - usually through a story from his life. Bill built strong friendships throughout his life and was a trusted advisor for his family, friends and colleagues due to his thoughtfulness, careful consideration and deep intellect. He was loved by all who knew him well.

Bill and Diana shared a lifelong love for Hawaii, which is where he will return. No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lighthouse for the Blind (https://www.lighthouselouisiana.org/give#donate) or to the University of Iowa, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (https://medicine.uiowa.edu/eye/).