His Greatest Passion Was Fishing

William C. Graverholt, 90, of Cherokee, Iowa, died Monday, July 4, 2011, at Countryside Estates in Cherokee. Per his wishes, his body was cremated and no services are slated.

William C. "Bill" Graverholt was born Feb. 22, 1921, in Kennard to Carl and Jorgine (Nielsen) Graverholt. He graduated from Blair High School in 1938.

He married Marjorie Benck in 1939 at Fremont.

Mr. Graverholt began his life farming in Herman through the early ‘40s with his young wife and two small children. He drove long-haul truck for Denver-Chicago until 1953, when he moved his family to Seattle, Wash. There, he began Graverholt Construction and was a successful carpenter until 1977, when he retired on the shore of Lake Goodwin. On the lake, he was able to spend his time fishing, his greatest passion. He shared that passion with his grandchildren, along with his carpentry skills and superior work ethic. Though retired, he continued to work with his hands, including building a new house for himself and his wife at the age of 75.

In July of 2009, he returned to the Midwest by moving from Washington to Cherokee. He was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marjorie Graverholt of Cherokee, Iowa ; one daughter, Joan Morgan Graverholt of Cherokee; one son, James of Stanwood, Wash.; three grandchildren: Sandi Kranig of Cherokee, Rodney Davis of Mountlake Terrace, Wash. and Kirby Morgan of Lynnwood, Wash.; two great-granddaughters: Lindsay Park of Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ginger Davis of Mountlake Terrace, Wash.; two great-great-granddaughters: Stella and Sarah Park of Ft. Hood.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Richard Graverholt.

The Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee was in charge of arrangements.