William D. Grasse

William “Bill” Grasse passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2022. He was born on June 3, 1940 in Watertown, South Dakota. He was raised in rural South Dakota until the sixth grade when he, his brothers (Richard and Mark Grasse) and his mother (Gladys (Kittelson) Grasse) moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota. Bill graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in the class of 1958 among many classmates who remained his friends for life. Following graduation he attended the University of New Mexico under ROTC. He joined the Navy, and was on the verge of becoming a fighter pilot, when he developed rheumatoid arthritis. This condition left him unable to fly, so he returned to the University of New Mexico where he earned an MBA. After graduation, Bill moved to San Francisco where he worked as a banker. During this time he began purchasing and improving apartment buildings all over the City. His drive to succeed and Midwestern work ethic was relentless, and during this time in his life, he amassed a valuable real estate portfolio.

Bill lived his life with unadulterated grace. He spent much of his life studying the world through books and extensive world travel. He loved to entertain (which he did elegantly and effortlessly) for his wide circle of beloved friends. Bill had a deep appreciation and love of Victorian architecture. He was a member of the Victorian Alliance, graduate of the Victorian Society in America Summer School and friend of the Artistic License. During his travels he often studied Victorian style architecture, and he transformed his own Victorian home in the City into an exquisite Victorian masterpiece that was filled with beautiful things and was featured in many magazines and other publications.

Bill retired to Sonoma County. There he created a stunning home and returned to his farming roots, raising sheep, goats, and chickens. He loved to play bridge (which he played to win). He also loved to fish, hunt and cook. If you were lucky enough to be invited to Bill’s home for dinner, you could expect to be treated to pheasant or duck (often with buck shots) or other game from his yearly hunting trips back to South Dakota with his brothers.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and his infant brother Timmy. He is survived by his loving partner of 20 years

Ranjeet Bijay, brother Mark (Janet) Grasse, niece Blythe (Greg) Libbey, nephew Brett (Jenn) Grasse, seven great nieces and nephews, and even one great great nephew. Bill is also survived by the wide circle of lifelong friends he collected from every facet of his fascinating and well-lived life. Bill will also be sorely missed by his beloved dog, Morgan.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Watertown, South Dakota on April 9, 2022. A second Celebration is being planned for a later date at his home in Sebastopol, California.