William Joseph "Bill" McGraw

William J. “Bill” McGraw, 86, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at Lexington Estate Nursing Home in Independence. He was a long time resident of Delaware County who has lived in Independence for the last several years. 

Bill was born in Monti, Iowa, on June 4, 1930, to Edwin and Emma (Bebee) McGraw. He grew up on the family farm and attended a nearby country school.  Bill enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17. 

On July 16, 1951, Bill was united in marriage to Joanne Holub in Rock Island, Illinois.  Five children were born to this union. In 1967 he retired from the Navy and returned to Iowa. He worked as a carpenter until retiring in 1987.  During retirement Bill spent several years refurbishing a 1928 Model A that he drove in local parades.

For the past twelve years Bill has had a special relationship with Evelyn McCalley of Independence.  Together they enjoyed many retiree activities such as dances, senior citizen lunches, and small town parades featuring old cars.  Eight years ago Bill moved to an assisted living facility and later to a nursing home in Independence.  During this period Evelyn was a daily visitor whom he greatly enjoyed. 

He is survived by his four children; Mike (Mary) McGraw of Story City, Pat (Joe) McEnany of Cedar Rapids, Colleen Regan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Kelley (Carol) McGraw of Caledonia, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Katie (DJ) Johnson, Molly (Jason) Childers, Will McGraw, JP McEnany, Matt (Kristi) McEnany, Anne Regan, Matt (Trisha) Thole, Andy (Megan) Thole, Nicholas McGraw, and Zachary McGraw; eight great-grandchildren, Cale and Coy Johnson, Avery Childers, Keelan and Kinsley McEnany, Ryan Kendell, Aubrey and Isabella Thole; four sisters, Arlene Meyer and Pat (Harry) Winchester all of Holmen, Wisconsin, Ruth (Joe) Falconer of Manchester, and Joan (Vernon) Gudenkauf of Monti; sisters-in-law, Bertha McGraw of Glendale, Washington, and LuAnn McGraw of Cedar Rapids; special friend, Evelyn McCalley and her family of Independence; many nieces and nephews; and many friends at Lexington Estates. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne; an infant son, William Daniel; and siblings Rosemary and Paul Ryan, Raymond McGraw, Hank Meyer, Dennis McGraw, Robert McGraw, and Mary Lauersdorf.  

The family of Bill McGraw appreciates the excellent care and community of Lexington Estates.

 Service Information