WILLIAM “BILL” THEODORE GRAFE

WILLIAM “BILL” THEODORE GRAFE of Santa Rosa, CA died January 22, 2024 at the age of 82. A Sonoma funeral director, he began his career working for Carew & English in San Francisco and later served as an mortician and officer for the Army. In 1972, Bill co-founded the Memorial Day Avenue of the Flags observance at the Santa Rose Memorial Cemetery. He became a partner in Eggen and Lance, and in 1986, the sole owner. He sold the mortuary in 1992 but stayed on for more than a decade as manager. Bill retired from part-time work at Daniels Chapel of the Roses, capping a career of more than 60 years.  He earned a two-year degree from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science.