Bill and Sylvia Grasser
He was an integral part of Wolf Nation.
Bill Grasser’s children and grandchildren are among the most talented athletes to ever suit up for Coupeville High School sports teams, and the man himself exemplified everything positive about prairie life.
He might have been born in Anacortes, but he was Coupeville through and through.
Mr. Grasser lived his life well, and his positive impact on our community will endure.
From his family:
On the morning of August 7th, 2023, surrounded by his family, the cloudy sky opened up, the light beamed down directly on Bill, and called his spirit home.
William Joseph Grasser was born August 11, 1938, to Melvin William Grasser and Jeannette Gladys Maylor Grasser, in Anacortes, WA.
He was raised in San De Fuca and attended Coupeville schools.
On November 25th, 1960, Bill married Sylvia Arline Coates, settling in Coupeville and raising their family in Sylvia’s family home on the hill.
After leaving the Coast Guard, he worked for Shell Oil Company on a tugboat as a wiper delivering fuel up and down the West Coast.
He enjoyed his tugboat work, but a few years after having children he began working closer to home.
In his younger days he logged on Whidbey Island, then worked for a time with Libby’s Construction.
Later in life he worked for Lakeside Industries as a heavy equipment operator, until he retired in his mid 50’s.
After retirement he began driving to help out the local farmers and eventually became a part time trucker with Skagit Valley Trucking, hauling produce.
Bill loved spending time with his 10 grandkids and riding his beloved motorcycle.
He also took great interest in staying connected with, and caring for, his childhood friends.
He is survived by his children, Marie (Ron) Bagby, Michele Fournier, and Dean (Sherra) Grasser.
His grandchildren; April Ellsworth, Ashley Heilig, Craig Fournier, Michael Bagby, Crystal Hurley, Jason Bagby, Tyler Grasser, Erika Sather, Emmy Grasser, and Lance Sather.
His five great grandchildren; Mia, Noah, Savannah, Brayden, and Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sylvia, his daughter Marlene Grasser, and his brother Howard Grasser.
Graveside service will be held Sunday, August 20, 11:00 AM, at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, WA.
A celebration of life will follow, starting at 1:00, and be held at the Grasser Homestead.
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