William Louis Graefnitz

William “Bill” Louis Graefnitz, age 93, of Steger, IL, passed away peacefully June 23, 2024. Beloved husband of 70 years to Marlene Faye Graefnitz (maiden Segert). Loving father of Cheryl (Neal) Lischka, Dale (Janette) Graefnitz, Roger Graefnitz, Mary Kay Joens, and the late William Marlon Graefnitz. Cherished grandfather of 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 3 sisters and his parents: Chris and Martha Graefnitz.

Bill was a very proud veteran of the Army, having served in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in Korea.  In the bitter cold he suffered frostbite on his feet, but felt that it was a very small thing in comparison to the many comrades in his company, who froze to death or were killed in battle.  He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Chicago Heights.

Bill met and married his lifelong partner, Marlene.  Their 70 years together included many wonderful blessings and good times.  Most important to him was the welfare of his family.  Many years of his life, he worked a second job, but he still found time for his family.   He coached his sons in Steger Little League Baseball and grade school basketball at Trinity Lutheran School in Crete.  For many years, Bill enjoyed bowling, often with his sons, father-in-law, and brother on the team. He and Marlene also spent many evenings in the bowling centers watching their daughter bowl.  He enjoyed the annual family fishing trips with his family when they were young and resumed them again when his son-in-law expressed an interest in fishing.  Bill's grandchildren meant the world to him. He attended as many functions as he could to support them.  Often they went out to dinner together, or just spent time visiting at their homes.

Bill learned much during his 40 years as a millwright. He was able to fix or repair just about any machine in the two factories in which he worked; Flinkote and Bee Chemical.  This experience carried over to repairs and building at his home and the homes of his children.  He also loved to build things with wood.   He made many, many yard and house decorations and had a tradition of making a Christmas creation each year for his children.

Bill especially enjoyed the love and devotion of Marlene for the 70 years of their marriage.  Through good times and difficult times, births and deaths, healthiness and illness, they continued to support each other.   Even in the last days of his life, he proudly told visitors of their 70 years of marriage and his love for Marlene. Bill will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but memories will always warm their hearts!

Visitation Friday, July 5, 2024, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd., Steger, IL 60475. Visitation Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 10:00 until time of Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1393 Elizabeth St, Crete, IL. Interment to follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery – Crete, IL For further information please contact 708-755-6100 or smitsfh.com