Christian Biography of William L. Gratopp

William Louis Gratopp, the son of Ludwig and Augusta (Meyer) Gratopp, was born on October 8, 1922 in Thayer, County, Nebraska. He passed away on April 12, 2021 at the Heritage Crossings at Geneva, Nebraska at the age of 98 years, 6 months, 4 days.

He attended school in Shickley, graduating in 1940 from Shickley High School.

On March 5, 1946 he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Higer at her Aunt's home in Mankato, Kansas and to this union three children were born.

Living in the Superior community since 1950, William brought a lot of business' to town including a Culligan Water Franchise, the bowling alley in which he built and owned, the purchase of the KRFS Radio Station and a worked as a Life Insurance agent. After retiring he opened Hob-Nob liquor store and also took pride in being a part time farm hand for his son-in-law Tom. Bill spent his last years from 2016 – 2021 at the Kingswood Court in Superior and created many new friendships there.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna on October 27, 2013; son William C.; three brothers, an infant, Lester and Leonard and a sister Bernita Benson.

He is survived by his daughters Linda D. Hale and husband Robert of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania; and Gale A. Rathbun and husband Tom of Lexington, North Carolina; daughter-in-law Doris Wofford of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Gina (Eric) Maas, Ryan (Traci) Gratopp, Emily (Brian) Moore, Che' (Debra) Hale, Heidi Rathbun, and Ricci (Travis) Rathbun-Nisley; 13 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. from the Evergreen Cemetery in Superior, Nebraska with Vickie Nielsen officiating.

"How Great Thou Art" was sung by Vickie Nielsen.

Honorary Pallbearers were Bob Hale and Tom Rathbun.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to the First Presbyterian Church or the Superior Library Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.