William A. Grab, Jr., of Antigo, died Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center. He was 78 years old. He was born on October 15, 1936 in Shawano, a son of William and Magdalen (Alft) Grab. He married Shirley Carter on May 7, 1955 in Shawano. She survives.
As a young man he participated in Boy Scouts where he earned the Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow awards.
He was a graduate of Shawano High School with the class of 1954.
After marriage Mr. Grab moved to Minneapolis where he worked for North Malliable Iron as an office clerk followed by Hartmotor Express as a payroll clerk. He returned to Shawano in 1966 where Bill began a career in life insurance. He worked as an agent and manager for Rural Insurance in Shawano. In 1972 he moved to Antigo and continued in insurance sales until retirement.
As an avid sports fan he followed the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers. He enjoyed fishing and playing cribbage.
Survivors including his wife are two daughters, Deborah Knapkavage (Jim Kapusta) of Antigo, Theresa (David) Raith, Summit Lake; three sons, William A (Patricia Burr) Grab III, Shawano, Joseph Grab (fiancee Pam Matuszewski), Antigo, Richard Grab (Shelly DeBauche), Appleton; thirteen grandchildren, Chris (Stephanie) Knapkavage, Scott (Michelle) Knapkavage, Danielle (Adam) Brand, William (Rosey) Grab IV, MaryJo (Steve) Greil, Nic Grab, Holly Grab, Kayla (Nick) Roush, Allison (Ricky) Lutz, Brandy Grab, Jordan Raith, Cassie Raith; one step grandchild Scott (Nichole) Kosnicki; thirteen great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Donald Knapkavage.
The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum.
Visitation will be 3:30 - 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 - 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Aunt Shirley,
Thinking of you and all the family through this weekend. Lots of great memories are coming back: Visits as a kid, and sledding down the big hill in wintertime and swimming in the pool during summers. I recall, now, feeling that Uncle Bill was bigger than life -- the center of all that fun. Later on, I really appreciate how he was a real engaging conversationalist on any topic. I really appreciate how he touched my life in those ways.
Dear Shirley,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Sincere sympathy,
Nancy and Ron Blood
Grandpa and Kaden
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