William John Graves Jr.

William John Graves Jr. obituary, St Cloud, MN

William John Graves Jr.

William Graves Obituary

Published by Williams Dingmann Funeral Homes - St. Cloud on Apr. 3, 2013.
Graves, William John (Bill), Jr. age 85 years died at his home on April 1, 2013, in St. Cloud, MN, following a brief battle with cancer in the presence of his entire immediate family. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Franny (Frances) Rogers Graves, his daughter and five sons and their spouses: Paula (Graves) & Jim Conrad, John & Denise, Jim & Julie, Bill & Jyl, David & Cindy and Mike & Kris; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and his brother, Bud Graves. Born in Minneapolis, the son of William and Ollie Graves, he graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1945, served in the US Navy and graduated from University of Minnesota in 1949 with a degree in Journalism. He had a distinguished 30-year career with Proctor & Gamble in sales and marketing. He retired in 1987, after which he and Franny spent their winters in Scottsdale, AZ and summers at their home in St. Cloud. Bill was an avid athlete, active volunteer and wonderful family man who thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his life. He will be missed by everyone he touched. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Church of St. Paul, 1125 11th Avenue North St. Cloud Rev. Alan Wielinski will officiate. Relatives and friends may call one hour prior Saturday morning at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud. Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home 320-252-2522 www.williamsdingmann.com
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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April 21, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2013

Paula Conrad (Graves) posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2013

Bill was always my favorite oldest boyfriend of Franny. I always considered him as someone I would want to emulate as I grew older. He was instrumental in getting me a job at Proctor and Gamble when I graduated from College. Unfortunately, I was a little immature still and I quit the first day on the job. Bill was always very understanding of that and never held it against me. Wow, what a guy! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you always! Larry Hughes

Paula Conrad (Graves)

April 21, 2013

It sure is comforting to hear from each one of you who knew our Dad, Mom and us kids. Yes, we have loads of memories as we know you do as well.
Together we shall always remember our Dad as a wonderful friend, provider and gentleman and the best Dad ever.
Thank you to all who have shared thoughts and prayers. - Paula

April 20, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Graves family. You all brought such joy and happiness to the Hughes Family up at Lake Hubert. I always remember Uncle Bill laughing and giving us boat rides in his beautiful wooden boat. This news brought tears to my eyes and fond memories all at the same time. I know that you all have wonderful memories of a loving father who was always there for you! Please know I am thinking of you all and give my love to your mom. Love Always, Theresa (Hughes) Layton

Hub Levandowski

April 6, 2013

Dear Fran and family:

So sorry to hear of Bill's death. Gave me pause to remember the bridge club Christmas parties at your house. We sure had fun! I'm sure Mary Jo is giving Bill a hug right now. Peace, Hub

cindy kissner

April 5, 2013

Sorry to hear your loss paula of your Dad.I give you my sympathy

April 5, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing, but trust that he is now experiencing complete joy and peace in Heaven! May God's peace be with the family during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

April 4, 2013

Franny, Paula and family, we are so sad to hear the news about Bill. We had the best time in Arizona; for many years we enjoyed golfing, hanging out by the pool, laughing over mexican pizza and margaritas at Carlos Obrien's. We will always treasure their friendship. Chad and Lois Terry SLC

Paula Conrad

April 4, 2013

Thank you to all who have commented on our Dad, Know that he loved you as well.

Dave Klein

April 4, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Bill was a great man I have many fond memories growing up in the back yard hanging out with my childhood best friend Dave, and the rest of the Graves family. Your loss is felt by all.

Rachel Neutzling

April 3, 2013

My sympathy to the Graves and Conrad families during this time.

April 3, 2013

What a great man Bill was, such a joy to see him walking around our corner every day. Having know him over 50 years he will be missed on 23rd Ave. My sympathy and love go out to Fran and all the children. Thinking of you all.
Mary Unger
St. Pete Beach, Fl.

Michael Graves

April 3, 2013

Grandpa was a wonderful man and his warm and loving spirit will always be with us. He had so much class and wisdom and was an extraordinary athlete and a great friend. I will always cherish all the Christmases we spent together at his home with the entire family - he served the best eggnog. I will miss our countless games of high energy ping pong - he was a true champ!
Love always,
MG

Jack Strommen

April 3, 2013

Ah, Bill what a great player. Bill taught me how to be a real gentleman on the racquetball court. We played many games and he was a great player. Sorry for you loss.

Dave Bechtold

April 3, 2013

God has taken an ole raquetball partner..a winning combination! So long ole friend!

April 3, 2013

Many fond memories of racquet ball at
the Elks, tennis, etc. Also here in AZ
in past years. The best to the entire
family during this difficult time.

Don and Jan Watkins, Scottsdale, AZ

April 3, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Graves family. Mike and Kathy Mathiasen

Ralph & Diane Nather & Family

April 3, 2013

To the entire Graves Family, our thoughts are prayers go out to you.

Barb Melsen (Torborg)

April 3, 2013

A bright light has gone out on 23rd Ave. I will always remember the forever smile he carried on his face. Like all the Dads in the neighborhood he was hardworking and humble. "His pew" at St. Paul's was evidence of the deep faith he had. May the great memories carry all of you through this tough time.

Bryan and Joni Heller

April 2, 2013

Out thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Graves family. His legacy lives on.

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April 21, 2013

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April 21, 2013

Paula Conrad (Graves) posted to the memorial.

April 20, 2013

Someone posted to the memorial.