Fred William Grotjahn

1926 - 2017

Fred William Grotjahn, Jr.

Bill Grotjahn passed away with his family by his side on August 7, 2017. He was born to Elsa and Fred Grotjahn Sr. on March 18, 1926 in Seattle Washington. Bill grew up in Zenith, Washington with his older sister Paula whom both enjoyed the outdoors and entertaining, singing and playing the piano. Bill attended Highland High School where he continued with his musical interests by joining the Cecilian Choral Club and after school hours he would entertain guests / residents at the Masonic Home. During his junior year he worked part time as an engineering aid for the Civil Aeronautics Admin. in support of what is now SeaTac Airport. In May 1944 Bill graduated from High School and in June volunteered to serve in the Navy where his term played out aboard the USS Knapp from 1944-46. His service concluded in Tokyo Harbor watching the final signing of surrender. Medals he received during his service were the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign, Philippine Liberation and World War II Victory.

After the war, he started working part-time at Overall Cleaning Supply Co. in 1950 washing trucks while attending the University of Washington where he graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Over the next 38 years, Bill's career at Overall Laundry took him from being a route man to eventually leading the company operations of both the Seattle and Tacoma facilities. During his tenure at Overall, Bill became recognized and sought out as a trusted advisor and expert throughout the industry. Staying true to his roots, he became a holiday hallmark with the local employees as he started a Christmas carolers group who would entertain the employees during the holidays.

Bill married Judith Elizabeth Tjosevig on March 22, 1952 and raised three children Julie, Cathy and Dave. Over their 60 years of marriage he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Bill loved to help and serve others and so in 1977 he was recognized as Volunteer Scout Leader of the Year, by Boy Scouts of America and completed a 50 mile week long hike with his son and troop in 1976. After retirement he volunteered in the community supporting the local police as Shoreline Block Watch Focal and participated in the emergency training for the container spill response team at Richmond Beach. He was at peace in the outdoors whether on the water sailing and fishing or in the mountains camping and hiking which included several trips to Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier and annual cross country skiing at Mazama. He was an avid downhill skier taking his last run at 83 with his son.

Bill loved all the holiday's and being surrounded by his family. His favorite was Christmas enchanting us with his songs and merriment. He loved and cared for everyone around him and we miss him deeply but are grateful he is now in the love and peace of higher spirit and his beloved wife Judy. Bill is survived by his three children Julie, Cathy and Dave along with spouses Randy, Nick and Lynn; his grandchildren Kelly, Eric, Jennifer, Jeff, Danny and Nick along with their spouses Joe and Kelsey and his great grandchild Liam.

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com