William P. Grunwald

 William “Bill” P. Grunwald, age 87, of Grafton, WI, passed away peacefully on December 08, 2022. Bill is survived by his loving wife Joan; his children Gail (Michael) DeVore, Lori (the late Richard) Plutowski, Matthew (Carrie), and Daniel (Corie) and his grandchildren Rachael DeVore, Mitchell and Aaron. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his 2 siblings. 

   Bill was born in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Waupaca, WI. His early years were spent on the farm. Later his father ran a filling station and automotive garage in town. It was there, working alongside his father, that Bill discovered he had a talent for all things mechanical. Later Bill obtained his electronics associates degree. 

   Bill met the love of his life Joan at a YMCA in Oshkosh. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and except for work commitments they were always at each other’s sides. 

   Bill would embark on a nearly 40-year career in different divisions under the General Motors umbrella. Bill began his career with AC Sparkplug in Oak Creek, WI. Working on the early missile defense systems. Bill was especially proud of his time working on the guidance and navigation systems for the Apollo Moon landing program in the mid-sixties to early 70's. Bill finished his career with General Motors as an area service manager and a mediation arbitration specialist for Chevrolet Motor Division. 

   Bill always had a fondness for aviation even going so far as to construct an ultra-light aircraft in his basement with his two sons. Many calm evenings were spent flying the aircraft in the local area. The desire for aviation was passed onto his two sons and grandson who all went on to have a career in aviation. 

    In retirement Bill was a certified boat captain piloting both fishing charters out of the Port Washington harbor and as a captain on the Edelweiss Dinner Cruise boats out of Milwaukee. 

    Bill was a member of the Ozaukee tractor club and enjoyed working on his Ford 8N tractor. Bill also was a volunteer at the Ozaukee Historical Society, and he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of history about the buildings and grounds. 

   Bill also dabbled in local politics by becoming elected to and serving on the Grafton town board. 

   Bill was happiest when he was maintaining and taking care of the farm property in Grafton. With 28 acres and numerous outbuildings to oversee it kept him very busy. On many days Bill could be seen cruising around the property on his golf cart with one of the dogs accompanying him on his rounds. 

    Bill had a number of fruit trees on the property that both he and Joan enjoyed tending and harvesting. They both delighted in sharing the harvest with Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, where they were members, and with Family Sharing in Grafton. 

   Bill and Joan enjoyed traveling both out of the country and taking memorable road trips in their Corvette convertible. 

   The family would like to thank the caring staff at Village Pointe Commons for their loving care shown to Bill and his family.  

   Per Bill's desires, no formal funeral service will be held. The family is planning a private family remembrance at a later date. 

    If you wish to memorialize Bill's life, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s name to the charity of your choice.