Mitchell "Mac" Gratwick II
Mitchell "Mac" Gratwick II
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Mitchell Gratwick Obituary
He left Columbia University in 1960 to join the United States Marines, where he served for six years as a lance corporal. He then returned to Columbia and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Education. His first teaching position was at Park School in Buffalo.
In 1971, he and his family moved to Kansas City, where he began his career with The Barstow School, teaching middle school and high school history and political science. He also coached high school soccer and baseball. He remained a much beloved member of the Barstow family until his retirement in 2007.
After retirement, Mac spent much of his time volunteering with various organizations and devoting himself to his grandchildren. He was also an active member of Overland Park Presbyterian Church.
Mac is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Sarah; his brother, Roger; and his wife, Ann. He leaves behind three children: Trey Gratwick, Emilie Gratwick, and Ben Gratwick (Stacy), three stepchildren: Michelle Bishoff, Jeanette Mattson, and Brian Mattson, and family; and four grandchildren: Ashley Gratwick, Tyler Gratwick, Kara Mosier (Bryce), and Mitch Gratwick.
A visitation in celebration of Mac's life will be held on May 20, 2025, at Overland Park Presbyterian Church, 7810 W. 79th St, Overland Park, Kansas, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral will be held at a later date at the family cemetery in New York.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Red Cross or KC Pet Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Walter Brayman
May 27, 2025
Mac was a wonderful colleague; we talked history and school together. After Barstow, I so enjoyed our chance to catch up at lunch, tell stories, and laugh (what a hearty laugh he had). He was a great teacher who guided students to like history and be curious. He really challenged them to think and encouraged debate. As a testament of their affection and appreciation of him, in the early 2000s some painted his famous sayings and puns on the walls of his classroom. It was beautiful and so witty. Fond memories and condolences to his family.
Arthur Crumm
May 10, 2025
"Mac" was the consummate teacher. He blended academic rigor with sensitivity to student feelings. An invaluable combination. I am fortunate to have had Mac as a friend as well as a colleague.
Stephanie Akin
May 2, 2025
I was 12 years old, new to Barstow, insecure and intimidated about everything - especially all the bright kids and challenging coursework - when I first encountered Mr. Gratwick. He must have (not must of!!!!) corrected my grammar a million times, and he showed me that I was worth all the effort it took to get me to believe in myself. I still think of him frequently almost 35 years later. I am so grateful for the course he helped me chart in my life. I´m sure I´m one of hundreds of his former students who feel the same way. And I will forever remember the countdown to what became the first aerial invasion of Iraq on his chalkboard that was captured in a yearbook photo that year. It was 91 days away!
Debbie Bettes
April 30, 2025
Mac was a kind gentleman. Very knowledgeable and fun to talk to.
We miss him at our Tue meetings.
Sincere condolences to all of his family. I know he loved you so much.
Debbie Bettes
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EL
April 26, 2025
I became a teacher in part thanks to Mr. Gratwick´s influence on me as a student. I loved his puns.
I still remember the first essay he assigned in eighth grade history: "Why Columbus? Why then?" Rest in peace, Mr. Gratwick.
Anupama Anchala
April 24, 2025
You will be missed greatly... one of my favorite classes in high school was always history because of Mr. Gratwick
Quintanella Bennett
April 24, 2025
Mr. Gratwick, thank you for your passion to educate young people. I think, in great part, you´re the reason my son has such a passion for history and political science, creating his professional path and passion. Rest in peace.
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4926 Johnson Drive, Shawnee Mission, KS 66205
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