The Superior Express -

William Louis Gratopp, the son of Ludwig and Augusta (Meyer) Gratopp, was born on Oct. 8, 1922, in Thayer, County, Neb. He died April 12, 2021 at Heritage Crossings at Geneva, Neb. at the age of 98 years, 6 months, 4 days.

He attended school in Shickley, graduating in 1940 from Shickley High School.

On March 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Higer at her aunt's home in Mankato, Kan., and to this union three children were born.

Living in the Superior community since 1950, William brought a lot of businesses to town including a Culligan Water franchise, the bowling alley which he built and owned, the purchase of the KRFS radio station. He worked as a life insurance agent. After retiring, he opened Hob-Nob liquor store and also took pride in being a part-time farm hand for his son-in-law, Tom. Bill spent his last years, from 2016 – 2021 at the Kingswood Court in Superior where he created many new friendships.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna on Oct. 27, 2013; son, William C .; three brothers; an infant, Lester and Leonard; and a sister, Bernita Benson.

He is survived by his daughters, Linda D. Hale and husband, Robert of Port Matilda, Penn .; and Gale A. Rathbun and husband, Tom of Lexington, N.C .; daughter-in-law, Doris Wofford of Omaha, Neb .; six grandchildren, Gina (Eric) Maas, Ryan (Traci) Gratopp, Emily (Brian) Moore, Che' (Debra) Hale, Heidi Rathbun, and Ricci (Travis) Rathbun-Nisley; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, from the Evergreen Cemetery in Superior, Neb., with Vickie Nielsen officiating.

Honorary pallbearers were Bob Hale and Tom Rathbun.

Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior.

Memorials are suggested to go to the First Presbyterian Church or the Superior Library Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of http://www.price funeralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior was in charge of the arrangements.