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 businesses to town including a Culligan Water Franchise, the bowling alley in which he built and owned, the purchase of the KRFS Radio Station and 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 through 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 will be 1:00 pm Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery, Superior, Nebraska. Vickie Nielsen will officiate.
Memorials may be given to: First Presbyterian Church or the Superior Library Foundation.
There will be no visitation.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska, is in charge of arrangements.