Fred William “Bill” Graue, Jr., 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 15th from a rapidly progressing form of Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barb. Loving father to Jennifer (Andrew) Wilson and Mark (Leslie) Graue. Proud grandfather to Everen Wilson. Dear brother to Beth Parker and Jack Graue and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a past employee of DeSoto Chemical Coatings, Continental Can, White Cap and Silgan Containers. He had a long career working in can coatings, and food and beverage bottle cap divisions. He was a member of the International Metal Decorators Association for over 30 years and served on its board of directors. Veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam era serving at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, in the Ballistic Research Lab. Proud alumnus of Monmouth College where he received a Bachelor degree in chemistry and the University of Chicago where he earned an MBA.
Bill had everlasting friendships with his fraternity brothers and their wives, and greatly enjoyed the lunch groups he was in with his previous co-workers and friends from the IMDA.
He was a lover of jazz, blues, folk, and country music; and a sports car enthusiast. He was a member of the Windy City Z Car Club and cherished his 240Z Datsun which he bought new in 1971 and for which he won many awards. Bill appreciated a good (and bad) pun and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed fine whiskey and had a nightly Manhattan with a Luxardo cherry. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to WDCB 90.9fm, his favorite jazz radio station (WDCB.org), Direct Relief specifying Ukraine relief (directrelief.org), or Angels Grace Hospice which was a great help to us at the end (angelsgracehospice.com).
Condolence messages can be left at simplicitycremationcare.com. Memorial Visitation to be held at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, 4920 Main St, Downers Grove on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10am-2 pm. For info: (westsuburbanfh.com or 630-852-8000).
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Love and prayers for the family.
Uncle Bill was an amazing role model for me. I enjoyed his disposition and appreciated how he always made me feel welcome. I miss him tremendously.
Whenever I went to your house, Uncle Bill would always say, “good to see ya, kid” with a big smile, a hug and a kiss. He made me feel wanted. I’ll miss that. I’ll miss him. Wit and warmth were the trademarks of his character. I am a better person for having known and been loved by him. He was a blessing!
My love and prayers to Aunt Barb and the family!
I was born on my dad’s birthday and I can’t imagine not celebrating with him. He introduced me to blues music, shared my love of dining and good food, and gave me my work ethic. Although I may have done it in my own way, I have always tried to be a daughter he could be proud of. Seeing him as a grandfather to Ever has brought me so much joy. I hope he is enjoying a Manhattan and a chocolate chip cookie.
Heartfelt condolences from our family .
He will be missed ,
Sue Lanucha
Sending condolences to you and your family, Barb, at this difficult time. I am keeping you all in my thoughts, and sending prayers of healing and peace. Bill was a wonderful man (and neighbor!!), and he will be missed by all on Wallen Place.
Worked with Bill for many years at White Cap. He always had an intelligent answer for questions and/or problems posed by our International licensees. Good guy and fun to be with.
Our ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group will miss him terribly.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, he was a wonderful individual. I always enjoyed our interactions as we talked about Z’s and life. I feel blessed to have known Bill and consider him a friend. The Z’s brought us together but the friendship was more important. God bless Bill and the entire Graue family.
I am the luckiest girl ever because I had Bill for my brother for 72 years. We joked about me being his favorite sister (I am his only sister). I will miss his sense of humor. I will miss his smile. I will miss his sincerity. I will miss his presence. We are all better because he was in our lives. My heart goes out to our family-especially Barb, Jen, Andrew and Ever, Mark and Leslie. Love to all.
Bill and I go back some 40 years with White Cap. He was not only a colleague from work but became a friend very quickly. I depended on Bil for his technical expertise continually, a person that you could rely on under all types of circumstances.
Early in our careers, we knew each other not only at work but also had some of the same interests as we both lived in Downers Grove. Our son and daughter were about the same age as Jennifer and Mark. We got to know Barb, his love of jazz, cars and travel.
He and I traveled Internationally for work numerous times and met colleagues that Bill and I made friends with for years to follow.
The reason why Bill was respected by all not only because of his technical knowledge and pleasant personality but also for his ability to make friends and treat people and cultures as they should be treated. Loved to travel with him. We had some great times together.
I will surely miss Bill.
Thoughts and prayers are with him and the family.
Uncle Bill will be dearly missed. His love for his family was vast. His sense of humor very much enjoyed. But most of all his care for all of his family, even those of us, who were not physically near, was felt despite the miles. I will always remember the joy shared over trains, which started with Grandpa, but Uncle Bill carried that treasure and shared it with us on the too few opportunities we had time to spend together. His care and love was felt when he and Aunt Barb sent wonderful boxes of Omaha steaks to our family to be enjoyed over the holidays, when we could not afford such luxuries ourselves. Time passes too fast and I am sad I never got the opportunity to visit Chicago as an adult. It was on the list with the first and most important stop to visit Uncle Bill and Aunt Barb. It sounds like the toughest part went quick. I am hopeful and thankful your suffering wasn’t long but my heart breaks for your beautiful family, who lost an amazing gift of your presence, love, and humor. Rest now Uncle Bill. You lived life well.
Uncle Bill is a role model for me then and now. He welcomed all and had a positive attitude every moment I was ever with him. I celebrate his life.
Always enjoyed visiting Bill and family at WCZC events. Bill will really be missed. Condolences to his family.