William R. Orthwein, Jr.

William R. Orthwein Jr. (February 12, 1917 - June 1, 2011) was an American businessman and philanthropist.

Early life William R. Orthwein Jr. was born February 12, 1917, in St. Louis, Missouri. His father, William R. Orthwein, was a prominent St. Louis attorney and 1948 Missouri candidate for Lieutenant Governor who won a bronze medal in water polo at the 1904 Summer Olympics. His mother Nina Kent Baldwin, was a schoolteacher.

Orthwein was educated at the Rossman School and the St. Louis Country Day School.

Business career Orthwein started his career as a salesman for the General American Life Insurance, and served on McDonnell Douglas's board of directors for 36 years from 1975 until his death on June 1, 2011. During his tenure with McDonnell Douglas, the company was considered one of the leading global enterprises in their field.

He served on the boards of directors of the Mercantile Bancorporation and the Microdata Corporation.

Personal life Orthwein married Laura Hale Rand, The family resided in Clayton, Missouri.

Death Orthwein died of pneumonia on June 1, 2011, in Clayton, Missouri. His funeral took place at the Second Presbyterian Church in St. Louis and he was buried at the historic Bellefontaine Cemetery.