William Carl Gratz
November 22, 1937 ~ August 23, 2023
Born in:
Buffalo, New York
Resided in:
Ashburn, Virginia
William Carl Gratz, Jr.
Passed away peacefully on Aug 23, 2023. Bill was born in Buffalo, New York on Nov 22, 1937. He grew up in Kenmore and Tonawanda, NY. From 1959-1963, after graduating Valparaiso University, Bill was a US Marine, serving in various places including Borneo and Okinawa. He met Ann (Backway) in Quantico, VA and they were married on August 15, 1964 in Mt Rainier, MD. Their lives were blessed with three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Bill worked at The Equitable Life Insurance Company from 1963-1973, Worldwide Assurance from 1973-2000, and as Business Manager at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church from 2001-2013. He was a proud member of the Vienna Jaycees, Vienna Chamber of Commerce, Valparaiso University Alumni Association, the ViVa Vienna! Festival, and the Vienna Centennial Committee. He served often, giving back to the community, finding value and a sense of purpose and friendship. Bill was a beloved husband and father, but most of all a much-loved “Poppa” to his grand- and great- grandchildren. He will be remembered for his active faith, love for his canine grands (always carrying a supply of doggie treats), chili cook-offs, and hard work.
Bill is survived by his wife Ann, sister Lynette (Ken) Lombard, sons John Gratz (Terry Strayer) and Ric Gratz (Ellen Bennett), daughter Beth Liechty (Kent Liechty), grandchildren Benjamin and Devon (Ric), Zach, Caity, Max, and Sam (Beth), and five great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all. Knowing that he is at peace gives his family and friends much comfort.
Service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Falls Church, VA. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 1:30 pm.
Services
Memorial Service: September 5, 2023 1:30 pm
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
7426 Idylwood Rd.
Falls Church, VA 22043
703-938-7440
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2023-09-05 13:30:00
2023-09-05 13:30:00
WilliamCarlGratzMemorial Service
Memorial Service
7426 Idylwood Rd.,Falls Church, VA 22043
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I have the pleasure of serving Bill at the Vienna Inn for many years. 1994 until 2005. Many fond memories and lots of laughs. One of the last members of the Dart League. R.I.P.
Bill was a pillar of the community, he and Ann giving so much of themselves to serve others. It was my honor and privilege to know him and work with him over the years from the days of the Walk for Mankind; the Halloween Parade; Viva! Vienna!; the Vienna Centennial; and so much more. He will be missed but his work and the difference he made will live forever. Sincerest condolences to the family. Rest in peace Bill…prayers up!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Ann. Bill was a fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor. his friends in the Stonewall Manor community remember the many times we met at George and Fay’s home for social time. Take care.
My deepest condolences to Ann, John, Ric and Beth. I will miss my great friend, customer, chili cook, VI company .
Our deepest condolences to Ann, John, Ric, Beth and their families.
I enjoyed working with Bill for many years on community events, most notably with the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and the Centennial Committee. Bill was one of the people who brought the red caboose to Vienna which has now become a favorite town landmark.
Bill and Ann have been good friends with Mike and me over the years. Our trip to Atlantic City, NJ and to Philadelphia to watch the Redskins play were so memorable, thinking of them still makes us smile!
Bill Gratz was a generous, kind and wonderful person and he will be missed.
Ann Martin and Mike Davis
RITA LOCKWOOD
Thank you Bill and Ann for letting me share in a small part of Bills life.
He loved Ann, and was proud of and loved his family.
Rest in peace in the arms of the lord.
God Bless you all.
When I think of Bill, I remember a great student… a great husband… a great father… A great Marine.
And I also remember a great friend.
He was my best man and my daughter’s Godfather.
As years went on, our meetings became less frequent: however he always made our “class” of ’55 reunions. Until our 66th reunion in 2021. In June of that year he wrote: “Sorry Paul. We won’t be able to make this one. Can’t walk anymore and therefore can’t fly or ride as a passenger. Ann handles the driving necessary around here but no longer is able to assist me in and out of the car. Best wishes, Bill”
For 20+ years he had a condition called ankylosing spondylitis, a rare chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that causes the spine to curveball forward and sideways. I am sure that he was in pain much of the time; however, he never complained.
Rest in peace my friend,
Paul
We have known Bill for over 55 years, He and Ann were friendly neighbors on Yeonas Drive and made us feel welcome to the community. Our first recollection was that we were shoveling snow and he offered to help. Later, became active in the Vienna Jaycees and Bill was one of the local leaders. We have great respect for Bill. He left this world a better place. Somehow his passing is a loss for all of us, His kindness and friendship will be missed.
Rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the entire Gratz Family. We have lost a great person. Bill was a
dedicated “Vienna community activist”. When a leader was needed for a major community event, Bill was the
first to volunteer. He was one of the person that was instrumental in helping Vienna maintain its small town
spirit. Bill was a friend since 1972 when I first met him with the Vienna Jaycees. We formed a great bond and worked on many Vienna community events together. He was a quiet man but a man who was not afraid to be
involved. Some of Vienna’s history is gone with the passing of Bill, Mike & Mollie Abraham, T.R. Cook, Charlie
& Maud Robinson and Jane & Rodger Seaman. I hope Bill can saved me a place next to him when I pass.
I will always remember his great smile of friendship in Kenmore high School.
Margot