Wallace E. Grau

With his loving family by his side, Wallace E. Grau, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 11, 2015 in his home that he built. Wallace was born in Racine on November 2, 1921, son of the late Walter and Martha (nee: Knolle) Grau. He was gifted with a little sister Carol 5 years later. He was a lifelong resident of Racine.

Wally graduated from William Horlick High School in 1939. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army Airforce with several of his friends. He proudly served his country during World War II. During the later stages of the war he fought in Europe. Near the end of the war he suffered the devastating loss of his best friend Richard “Lefty” Olander, an Ace Pilot. Post war, under the opportunity presented by the G.I. bill, he earned a college degree in History from U.W. Madison and completed one year in law school. He was an avid lifetime supporter of his alma mater. He met his first wife, Dorothy H. Slivka at U.W. Madison. They were wed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on June 2, 1952. Their union brought them 4 sons. He was widowed on February 10th 1980.

Wally describes the meeting of his second wife, H. Elaine Klemm, as “divine intervention.” They wed at Scared Hearth Catholic Church on January 9, 1982. Their union added 6 step-children.

After returning to Racine from college Wally began working with his father and uncle in the family business, Grau Builders, Inc. He owned and operated Grau Builders Inc., constructing quality homes in Racine for forty years, before retiring. Wally and Elaine envisioned, planned, developed, and built the entire 3-phase Hickory Hollow subdivision where they lived until his passing. In his 80s, he achieved one of his greatest personal goals of building his own log cabin in Marinette County. For many years this was a refuge for hunting, reading, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. In addition to these projects, he built many high-end homes in the Racine area. He and his father built the addition and the spire of St. Paul’s Church in 1965. For years he served as an animated 3rd base softball coach for St. Paul’s and Grau Builders teams. He was an active member in local carpenter’s unions, the Northside Businessmen’s Association, President of Jerstad-Agerholm P.T.A. He wholeheartedly sang in the choir and served in numerous leadership roles for St. Paul’s church. One of his most cherished memories was flying to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight on April 27th, 2013, with his son Greg. He also fondly remembered dancing with Winston Churchill’s daughter at an event in England during the war. Wally will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, his prolific storytelling, and his great sense of humor.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 33 years, Elaine; his children, Charles (Michelle) Grau of Bedford, NH; Gregory (Kim) Grau of Wausau; Bryan (Hilda) Grau of San Jose, CA; Bruce (Bonnie) Grau of Madison; and step-children, David (Karen) Klemm, Douglas (Sheila) Klemm, all of MI; Steve (Marge) Klemm of Mount Pleasant; Colleen (Craig) Martin of Milwaukee; Amy (Richard) Verbos of Mukwonago, Julianne (Brian) Smith of Mount Pleasant; and twenty-six grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren; his baby sister, Carol Vavrin of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Dorothy.

Funeral services will be followed by Full Military Honors at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3011 Erie St., on Thursday April 16, 2015, 5:00 p.m., with Rev. John Bischoff officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing and visitation prior to the service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Private interment will be held at a later date. Memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church have been suggested.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jonathan Triesman, Dr. David Zablotney, Dr. Subanna Jayaprakash and his therapy staff; dear friend and fellow veteran Gary Miller for his companionship and compassion; the Seasons Hospice staff for their compassionate care; his live-in caregiver Albert who made Wally’s last days peaceful; past live-in caregivers that became part of the family, Luda and Tammy; and to Rev. Diane Tetrault and Rev. John Bischoff for their prayerful guidance.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME

803 MAIN ST RACINE, WI 53403

(262) 634-7888

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