William “Bill” A. Grazidi, 98 of Iron Mountain, Mich., (formerly of Golden Valley, Minnesota), passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Bill was born on July 11, 1922, in Stambaugh, Mich., to the late Ben and Louise Grazidi (Profizer). He graduated from Iron Mountain High School and enlisted in the US Navy. Bill was a World War II Veteran from November 1942 until May 1945. He would always share the terrifying story about the time he was stationed at Pearl Harbor while in the US Navy. The day his ship (USS Ommaney Bay) was bombed, he had to jump six floors off the ship into the Ocean while helping others to safety. Ommaney Bay received two battle stars for WWII service.
After the Navy, he completed business school and became heavily involved in the Ashrae organization, becoming a Manufacturers Representative of major HVAC product lines in plumbing, heating, and ventilation
Bill then relocated to Golden Valley, Minnesota, and continued as a Representative throughout the Midwest for over 50 years.
Bill was an avid ballroom dancer, and his love for dancing showed while on the floor as everyone admired his enthusiasm. He frequently attended various dances whenever he could while home and traveling. His love for cars was also admired as he always drove the latest and best in cars, including some popular sport models. Bill enjoyed downhill skiing and traveling out West. He also found time to spend time with his sister, Ida Manko, while vacationing in Iron Mountain during the summer months.
Bill is survived by his loving nephews, Jim (Linda) Manko, of Colgate, Wisconsin, and Bill (Irene) Manko, of Iron Mt. Michigan, along with four great-nieces and nephews, a step-daughter, Monette Mayo of Seattle, and close friends in the Minneapolis area.
Bill’s two children, Gina and Edward, preceded him in death.
A celebration of life will be held next summer to honor and celebrate Bill’s life. He will be laid to rest in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain, next to his sister, mother and father.
A special thank you to the Staff at Evergreen Heights Assisted Living for his care. A special thank you to the VA Hospital and Hospice.
You may leave a condolence or tribute for Bill’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Bill’s legacy of life.