William A. Grab Jr., of Antigo, died Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center in Antigo. He was 78 years old. He was born on Oct. 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 include his wife; two daughters, Deborah Knapkavage (Jim Kapusta), of Antigo, and 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; 12 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 stepgrandchild, Scott (Nichole) Kosnicki; 13 great-grandchildren and three great-stepgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Donald Knapkavage.
The funeral Mass will be held in Antigo on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with the Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum.
Visitation will be from 3:30-7 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the Bradley Funeral Home, 1550 Neva Road, U.S. Highway 45, Antigo. A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.bradleyfh.com.
