William Arnold Grabarski, age 63, of Grand Marsh, went to heaven on Sunday, November 6, 2011 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Roseberrys Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at Roseberrys Funeral Home at 11:00a.m. with Pastor Barbara Merwin officiating. Interment will be at a later date at the Easton Cemetery.
Bill was born May 17, 1948 in Portage, Wis. to Arnold and Eleanor (DeWitt) Grabarski. As a youngster, Bill enjoyed 4-H, FFA, and sports. In 1967, he graduated from Adams-Friendship High School and went on to vocational school for auto mechanics. Upon graduation he worked skidding pulp, driving dump truck and for the Kilbourn Co-op. During that time, Bill raced stock cars at local tracks. In 1973 he returned to farm with his father, eventually purchasing it with his wife in 1975.
On July 7, 1973 he married Catherine Wood in St. Johns Lutheran Church in Oxford. Bill enjoyed farming, working with his wife and three children to develop his parents farm adding cattle, land and irrigation. Besides the dairy, Bill and his family raised beef, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and even horses. Bill spent many summers with the family, a team of Belgians, and the handmade parade wagon.
He loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, or cutting wood. Bill was a strong supporter of his children encouraging them with education, 4-H, FFA, and sports. He shared his great love of hunting & fishing with them. He also took them to Brewers games, encouraged them to show dairy at the State Fair, and attend several 4-H and FFA trips. Recently, he enjoyed camping and fishing at Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. He was a people person that love visiting and helping. He had time to listen, rib, and brighten everyones day.
Bill believed in service and in youth. He was a 4-H leader, the clubs softball coach, and served as the Swine chairman for the Central Wisconsin Jr. Livestock Show. He served on the Adams County Fair Board, the New Chester Town Board, and several farm organizations. He was a director in the Farmers Union, President for the Adams County Holstein Association, and raised money with the FFA Alumni Corn Drive. Bill enjoyed cooking eggs in the big frying pan at the Adams County Dairy Breakfast and baking potatoes at the Corn-N-Tator. Bill was a dedicated member of the New Chester Fire Dept for more than 25 years, serving as Assistant Chief and then Chief. He was also a member of the Grand Marsh United Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his farther Arnold Grabarski.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Grabarski, a daughter, Rebecca, two sons, Richard and Ronald (Sara), and his mother Eleanor Grabarski all of Grand Marsh. He also is survived by one brother Robert (Aletta) of Arkdale and one sister Sandra (Timothy) Barthel of Portage. Surviving in-laws include Ned and Delma Wood of Wisconsin Dells as well as a bother-in law Ned (Donna) Wood Jr. of Wisconsin Dells. His also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews and many, many friends.
Memorials may be given to the UW Cancer Center at Riverview Hospital, the New Chester Fire Dept and the Adams-Friendship FFA Scholarship Fund.
Dear Grabarski Family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I will always remember Bill’s sense of humor, smile and laugh. He is a great spirit and will be missed by all of us at Moundview.
Dear Grabarski Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was one of the few Grand Marsh kids that has kept in touch all these years. In fact, he stopped in at Culver Franchising often to check up on me and the family – and the last time we talked about all the fun he had been having with various things…and about his cancer. He loved life. He loved his family. He remembered his friends and he always made me laugh. I will miss him. You have my most sincere sympathy. God bless.
Dear Becky and family: I’m so sorry to hear of your father passing. I’m hugging you and your whole family and your all in my prayers. Peace be with you all and as always God Bless.
Thinking of all of you
with love and prayers
Sandy, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Becky & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Althought I never knew your dad personally, it sounds like hewas a fantastic man. Peace & pleasant memories to your whole family at this time.
Bill will be miss by all that new him. My thoughts go out to Cathy and the Becky, Richard & Ron I hope you all can rember the great time and rember him in your hears.
When God calls our loved ones home he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Your in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Cathy, Becky, Richard & Ron,
My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have fond memories of spending time on the Grabarski farm back in high school. Bill affectionately referred to Heather & I as the milkmaids. I will also always have good memories of the Easton Great Eagles and the New Chester Badgers softball rivalry. Take care of each other!
TO FAMILY AN FRIENDS OF BILL IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OUR THOUGHTS AN PRAYERS GO TO ALL OF YOU
To Cathy&Family We are sorry for your loss.Bill
always knew how to make ya laugh at the fair or
the parade or every morning when i picked up his
milk.May God be with you
cathy and family,so sorry to hear of your loss.william was a kind and caring person to everyone he met. hugs to you all!!
Dear Cathy, Rich, Ron,and Becky,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill. Bill impressed everyone he came in contact with. I too will miss him. Our prayers are for you.
Cathy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. The pain is over and he will rest in peace.
Cathy and family,
Bill was a life long friend and a good person. He remembered and cherished his friends and we cherish him. I am proud to say he was my friend.
My Great Uncle Bill was a good man. Whenever we would have family reunions, he always cracked jokes and could make anyone smile. We will all miss him. I am proud to have had him as my uncle. God speed.
I miss you Uncle Bill. I love you Aunt Cathy.
Bill will be deeply missed. He was a dear man who loved his wife, loved his family. I am so grateful that my husband was able to grow up with the influence of men like his Uncle Bill in his life, and that my children and I had the privilege of knowing him. The strength and character that he nurtured into his family was returned to him with all of their support as he fought this battle so courageously. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Cathy, Ron, Becky and Richard,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. I pray that the memories of your life with Bill comforts you now. His pain is finally over. He is happy now and will see you all again.
Cathy and family, We are so sorry for you loss of Bill. He will be missed by many including us.
Cathy and family . . It was my great pleasure to get to know Bill over the last 21 months here at UW Cancer Center-Riverview. He was always gracious and kind,and willing to share his knowledge of farming, firefighting, and fishing. We will miss him, and we will pray for all of you.
Becky and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Cathy and family, it was sad to see Bills passing I remember Bill from sports in HS and his racing. You have your family and friends to help you through these hard times.
Cathy and Family our deepist sympathy goes out to you.Bill is in a better place now. Remembering all the fun times we had in school and afterwards, we will miss him,God Bless
Cathy I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I will always remember him, I am glad I got to know you both. You are in my prayers.
Deepest condolences to Bill’s entire family. It is so obvious that this earth was a better place because he was in it…if only longer. He is rejoicing in Heaven with his father and no longer suffering. Praying for healing comfort and peace for the entire family.
Cathy- I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s death. Let it comfort you to know he is no longer sufforing and is
in gods hands. My sincere condolence to you and your family.
I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, He was a good man. May God comfort all of you and stenghten the fond memories of him.
I sorry to hear about Mr grabarski. He was apart of my life in 4h.I am saddened to hear that he pass. we will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers Jocelyn Stevens
Cathy & family – this feels so unreal as I gather my NCFD garb to wear tomorrow. Bill is so much of a part of our Grand Marsh family. Words cannot express how saddened we are by his death. Everything he gave & taught us will live forever in our hearts. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Our sincerest sympathy to you all. May your grief soon become many, many happy memories!
Becky and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a great man and will be missed by MANY people. Hold his memories close, they will stay with you forever.
bill will be missed by all.we will keep you in our prayes.will remember when i was a kid with ron learning how to milk cows for the first time
My deepest sympathy to everyone in Bill’s family. He will certainly be missed by everyone in the community, as well as by his family. I hope your many happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
Cathy,Becky, Richard and Ron, We are so sorry you have to go through losing the love of you life. Bill brought so much happiness to you. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. May friends be with you, Faith uphold you and warm memories bring you peace. Our love and sympathy. Steve and Sue Lawrence
I think back and I remember Bill from grade school days playing softball either at Grand Marsh or Castle Rock grade schools, at the county fair, in high school, and as a brother to my sister-in-law. I do not ever remember him without a smile on his face and always something good to say. My heart breaks for all of his family, Gods speed Bill, until we all meet again.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss but are grateful to have known Bill. What a gift you were able to give him in his being home and comfortable. We will miss visiting with you.
Love and prayers,
The UW Cancer Center Staff
Cathy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was way too young to leave this earth so soon. You and your family have our deepest condolences. Please say "Hi" to your mom and dad for us. I think of them often and wonder how they’re doing.
Cathy My deepest sympathy to and your family I will remember Bill as a smiling and warm church friend.Barbara
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Bill was a great friend and will be sadly missed by all!
Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. I have many good memories of Bill at the fair, livestock show and family events. Please accept our condolences and know he will be missed.
Cathy and family, I am saddened by the passing of Bill, but know that he is in a better place now – without any suffering. What a wonderful husband, father and friend to all of us. Thank the Lord that you have so many great memories of your time together. May you know that comforting thoughts are with you and your family always and especially now at this time of sorrow.
Cathy, Becky & Richard and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you.
Cathy and family, so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was always so polite and always had a hello for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..
Bill was a riot to visit with, I will always remember his stories of racing.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Special memories will be in the hearts of all who knew Bill. With our love and sympathy.
Bill will always be in our hearts and memories. Please accept our condolences.
Really sorry to hear about Bill. Losing a great farmer in the county. Our thoughts are with you in the coming days.
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Grabarski was a great community leader, we are blessed to have known him.
So sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a good one. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Eleanor, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. it is so hard to lose a child. Keep your memories close. Miss you
To all of Bill’s family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You have my deepest ympathy……………..
we would like to greatly extend our deepest sympathy for Bill’s family. i’ve got to know Bill from a professional and personal side and i cant think of a person who’s smile and good attitude was as contagios as his he always had kind words and a story that would turn my bad day into a great day he will very sadly be missed by one and all
Gonna Miss that Good Guy!
with love & sympathy to all of you from Linda Lou
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear
Our prayers are with you in your time of need
Bill will never be forgotten. Your in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
My sympathy to Cathy and all of the Grabarski families. We shared many good times in our younger days. He’ll be missed by all.
Cathy, Rich, Becky and Ron: So sorry to hear of your loss! Bill was a great man who was always quick w/ a laugh! (Even when u thought he was going to "blow his top") My thoughts and prayers are with u all as well as the rest of the Grabarski family.
Cathy,Rich,Becky,Ron and family of Bill
I was so saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. So sorry for your loss and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Bill always had time to stop and chat and give you a hug, a sweetheart of a man. He will be missed by so many. Keep your memories of Bill close to your hearts and use his name often–it really does help. May God wrap his arms around your family and give you comfort and strength in these difficult days ahead.
Was saddened to hear of Bills passing. He was a wonderful man. My prayers are with the family.
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Our prayers are with the whole family.
The Morgan Senechal family
Stephen, Meri, Hannah and Seth
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a special man. My prayers are with you and the entire family.
I am so sorry to read of Bill’s passing. I remember him as being a good guy in high school. Prayers to you and your family at this time. May your memories see you through this tough time. God Bless
Deepest Sympathy Bill was a fantastic guy. Went to high school with him.(Karen Hartwig) Try and remember the good times that you shared. Karen and Don Rathke
So sorry for your loss such a great man.My condolences to your and your family
So sorry for your loss & thoughts are with you and your family.
Cathy and family,
We are so sorry to hear about you loss. He was a great man and will be misses greatly by all who knew him. He will be with us all in our memories and our hearts. ( The pajama kid) That is what Bill always called don.
Cathy, Becky, Rich, and Ron-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time…and always!
Cathy, Becky, Rich and Ron,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad (and husband) was a great man. Hope the happy memories help you get through this difficult time.
We will remember all the good times shared with Bill. His memory will be forever with us.
Cathy and family,
SO sorry to hear of your loss, Bill may be gone but he will not be forgotten.
Cathy and family; I am so sad with the passing of Bill. I mainly got to know Bill (and you, Cathy) through church but I also learned so much from others, including reading all the posts to date on this condolences page. I will miss Bill.
Cathy and family,Our thoughts and prayers our with you. We have many fond memories of Bill in school, sports, racing, and just having fun. May the fond memories help you during this time.
To the Grabarski Family… Heaven has gained but the world has lost a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so sorry to hear of this loss for the Grabarski family and the community he was such a part of. We can pray that now Bill will know heavenly peace. Our prayers are with your family.
Cathy, Becky, Richard and Ron my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy and family,
I knew Bill all my life. Although Bill and I had different opinions, we were always friends. The community and everyone who knew Bill will miss him greatly. Our hearts go out to all the family and may he be resting peacefully.
Cathy and family— Please except my deepest sympathy. Bill will be missed by many–
Cathy, Ron, Becky & Richard, our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your families. If there is anything you need please let us know.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Prayers and peace to you in this difficult time.
Cathy & family, you have our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts are with all of you through this difficult time.
Cathy and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at difficult time. Bill is now one of God’s angels watching over all from Heaven. He will continue to be a part of all our lives. he will be missed greatly. May God walk with you.
Cathy and family – we have lost a wonderful friend and relative. Those times we did things together will always be special. Know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time
Dear Cathy and Family,
Please accept our condolences. I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even at this time. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. Bill will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
We are deeply saddened to hear Bill has passed away. Definetly he will be missed so much by many people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I first met Bill when my dad joined the fire dept. about 10 years ago… He was one of the most caring and selfless men i have ever met… My dad went through a rough spot and the person that was always there was Bill… when we needed something we knew we could call him for help… Know that Bill will be missed by me and my family… I am sorry for your loss… May the thought of him being in no more pain comfort you in the times ahead… May God be with each of you to comfort you…
Dear Cathy and Family,
He was a Great and very Couragous man. He will will be truely missed.He will always be CHIEF to me!!!
May God help and hold you all very close in this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great role model. God has received a wonderful angel. May God bless you all at this very difficult time.
As you hold each other close share your memories of Bill, Let your family, friends and God comfort you during this difficult time
To Bills’ Family, We are so sorry for your loss. May the comfort of family and friends be your strength now and in the days ahead.