William Henry Van De Graaf

Bill was born February 1, 1928, in Three Rivers, Michigan where he enjoyed a “Huckleberry Finn” childhood, working on the family farm, riding ice flows on the Rocky River and becoming an Eagle Scout. His parents, Willem and Wilma Van De Graaf and brother, Johannes, were born in the Netherlands, making Bill a 1st generation American. His love for his country was unparalleled, not only demonstrated by his years of military service but also in his vocal pride in having lived the American Dream.

After years of farming “Blue Ribbon Celery” in Three Rivers, the family moved to Detroit where Bill was immediately impressed by the imposing 7 story Cass Technical High School. While attending Cass Tech, in the “Co-op” program at Chrysler Automotive, he met his two lifelong best friends, Earl Hubbard and John Ricks. The three traveled, went fishing, played tennis or poker together throughout their lives.

Always industrious, whether working a paper route, selling ice cream on the road, or working the iron ore boats on the Great Lakes, Bill left for a California adventure with his friend John upon finishing high school. Bill’s parents had other plans however and with their encouragement he attended the University of Michigan. There he had the time of his life as a working student and member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity ultimately graduating with a Business Degree.

Upon graduation, Bill joined the Air Force and served as a Senior Airman in the 6555 Guided Missile Squadron during the Korean War. After his return to the states, he was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida where one weekend he noticed identical twins strolling down Cocoa Beach. One of those twins, Margaret Hubbard, the love of his life, would become his wife on December 18, 1954. Soon after, the newlyweds moved to Michigan where they lived for 27 years and raised their three children. Bill often said, “Marrying Margaret was the best decision of my life.”

Bill enjoyed a successful 34-year career at Merrill Lynch where he worked with incredible colleagues and made many outstanding friends.

After retiring, Bill and Margaret moved to Austin, Texas to be near their kids and grandkids. “Papa”, as he was affectionately known, became an integral part of his 10 grandchildren’s lives. Through his kindness and humor, he delivered to the next generation the values he was raised with: Do The Right Thing (DTRT), patriotism, honesty and above all loyalty to those you love.

Bill is survived by his 3 children, William (Stacey), Dirk (Kandi), Lisa (Jeff) Cook; 10 grandchildren, Ricky (Eugenia), Jordan Cook, Gerrit (Brittany), Roxanna, Glenda, Kayden (Stephen) Dazzo, Will (Elizabeth) Cook, Kambry Cook, Chloe, Harper; 2 great-grandchildren, Margaret, Reese; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret, parents Willem and Wilma Van De Graaf, and brother John Van De Graaf.

A private Celebration of Life for both Bill and Margaret will be held in September at their home in Austin. Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

On behalf of the family, a special thank you to all the staff at the Belmont in Westlake, private caregivers Maria, Crystal and Keybe, and the people at Magnolia Hospice. Your loving care,kindness and friendship will always be remembered.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Van De Graaf family.