William F. Graefe of Galveston, Texas, passed away at the age of 89 on January 4, 2025, just shy of his 90th birthday.
Mr. Graefe was born January 28, 1935, in Burleson County, Texas, to Wilhelm F. Graefe and Hattie Mae Krueger Graefe.
He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Lyn Kadlecek and husband Shawn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shelby Arnold, (husband Wade), Reese Kadlecek, Colby Kadlecek and many nieces and nephews.
Bill retired from the maintenance department at UTMB.
Prior to that he worked many years as a long haul driver for the Falstaff Brewery where he made lifelong friends.
After retirement he revisited his love of driving and worked for ACE trucking as a hot-shot driver.
Family trips were spent fishing at Carolina Cove where he taught Tracy how to fish and run a trot line.
No family trip was complete without his dogs, whether it was a fancy poodle, a sloppy basset or a rescued (stolen) cocker spaniel, he was rarely seen without a dog by his side.
Bill was a member of First Lutheran Church and for many years Zion Lutheran Church.
He was also a lifelong member of the Elks Lodge and the Sons of Herman.
In his most recent years he spent time as a Mason and a Shriner.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Willie Mae, Velma, and Gladys; and his brothersin- law.
He received an expert rifleman’s badge while serving in the army and when he applied for his gun permit in 2005 he could still shoot the little man in the corner wowing the whole permit class. Bill, Daddy, Uncle Buck, Sonny, Bubba,and Grandpa will be missed by many.
Guests are invited to share in a Celebration of Life.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, followed by 10:00 a.m. Funeral Services on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home, 1201 23rd Street in Galveston, Texas 77551.
Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Masonic Cemetery in Caldwell, Texas.