GRATOP

Frederick R.

Fred Gratop was born in Toledo, Ohio to Grayson and Orpha Gratop on December 10, 1941. He passed away peacefully December 11, 2015, one day after his 74th birthday. Fred was a graduate of Libbey High School in Toledo in 1959. He was employed by Haughton Elevator in Toledo before starting his own residential elevator business in Indianapolis and St. Louis. He returned to Toledo to assist Sherry Gratop in the management of Southwyck Bowling Center. Fred was an accomplished bowler in Toledo. He was also an avid Cleveland sports fan, especially the Indians and Browns. Fred became interested in the Indy 500 when he lived in Indianapolis and attended most every race for the past 40 plus years.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Grayson and Orpha; brother, Dale and son, Randy (Lisa). He is survived by Sherry, the love of his life the past 36 years and his loving caretaker since complications from surgery in December 2007. He is also survived by brothers, Gary (Bonnie) and Don (Beth); daughter, Kimberly Wiles of St. Louis and former wife, Karen Potts of St. Louis, mother of his children. Also grandchildren, Kris, Whitney, Courtney, Andrea, Grayson, Cidney and Courtney; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Trinity, Aryah and Audrey and many nieces and nephews.

Fred's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers and staff at Lutheran Village Wolf Creek Care Center, Holland Ohio and Gentiva Hospice.

Visitation will be at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue in Toledo, December 16, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Fred to Gentiva Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Messages of condolence may be made at:

walterfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Dec. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Gratop

8 Entries

Gary Turski

May 24, 2016

Sherry,
I just found out about Fred's passing. I have many fond memories of working with Fred back in the day at Buchanan Equipment. He always made me laugh and we had a ton of fun together. He is at peace now but not forgotten.

Gary

Judy and Tim Drew

December 17, 2015

Deepest sympathy in the loss of Don's brother. Sending prayers to your family at this time.

December 16, 2015

Sherry - We are so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.

Walt & Ruth Burnham

December 16, 2015

We were so sorry to hear about Fred. Walt has so many great memories of growing up with Fred and especially all the good times at the Colony. You are all a wonderful family and we're sorry we can't be there with you today.

Paul DeCello

December 15, 2015

Sherry,
Our prayers go out to you and your family. Fred will always be remembered as a easy going person and a understanding friend. I'll try to get over to see you after the 1st. of the year.

December 15, 2015

Sherri sorry to hear about Fred, my prayers, Gary Ryan Pinellas Park Florida

Bob Schroeder

December 15, 2015

My deepest sympathies in Fred's passing. I consider him to be the best friend I ever could have had. So many memories from growing up, from his family, as well as being humbled by his bowling skills! God rest your soul, my friend.

Melvin Hayes

December 15, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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