William R. "Billy Bob" Grahn

1955 - 2025

Janesville, WI - William 'Billy Bob' R. Grahn, 69, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at MercyHealth Hospital and Trauma Center. He was born August 10, 1955, in Madison, WI to Warren Grahn and Emmylou (Rabidoux) Luebke. Billy Bob was a member of the Bad River Reservation Ojibwe Tribe. He attended Edgerton High School. On October 1, 1982, he married Debra Mellom.

Billy Bob was a skilled amateur golfer and worked at numerous public and private courses in the area and suburbs of Chicago as club pro in the late 70's and 80's. He nearly obtained his PGA pro card. Billy Bob struggled with alcohol and substance use in the 70's and 80's and joined Alcoholics Anonymous. Billy Bob had been sober for 33 years until the time of death. His sobriety brought him great pride and the knowledge to help others get sober. Early into his sobriety journey Billy Bob became interested in his Native American heritage. He became a member of Bad River Ojibwe Reservation in northern Wisconsin and made many trips there throughout the years. This walk on the Red Road (in Native American culture is a path of personal growth, healing, a spiritual way of life) was the inspiration for his vision. In 1992, Billy Bob founded what would become known as the Red Road House, a residential sober living facility in Janesville. During his time as Director/Manager of the Red Road House, Billy Bob helped hundreds of people work on and maintain their sobriety while residing there himself. Billy Bob became involved with Native American drum groups including Seven Springs Drum and attended many pow wows and ceremonies the past three decades. Billy Bob was also involved with numerous community groups and organizations that sought to help others in need and/or promoting multiculturalism and accepting. Billy Bob served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors and several sub committees while a member of the board. Billy Bob liked to fish, hunt, and be outdoors. He was a lifelong Packer, Badger, and Brewer fan. Billy Bob was most proud of his family, children, and grandchildren. Billy Bob rarely, if ever, missed any of his grandchildren's many activities and events. He almost always made himself available for his grandchildren. His heart was huge, and he was always willing to help whoever with whatever he could. He would often give rides to residents and friends to meetings, appointments or just to run errands.

He is survived by his wife Debra Grahn; son Eric (Kahla Vobian) Grahn; daughter Angela (Douglas Beeler) Grahn; daughter Katie Saunders; son Matthew Schugert; grandchildren: Chesney, Harper, Brixton, Ashford, Dakota, Brooklin, and Juliana; sisters: Laurie Adkins and Cathie (Dennis) Luebke; nephew: Jason; and nieces Shawn and Jeneile; He is preceded in death by his parents: Warren Grahn and Emmylou (Dale) Luebke; sister Monica Strickert; brother David Grahn; and brother-in-law Dennis Adkins.

Funeral service will be at 6:00 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the APFEL WOLFE FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, with Neil Deupree presiding. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM on Monday at the FUNERAL HOME until time of service. Online condolences made at www.apfelwolfe.com

Billy Bob had a lot of people in his life who were there for him over the years but Neil Deupree you always found time to be there for him and his family will always greatly appreciates those moments.