William G. "Bill" Graeff

William G. "Bill" Graeff, 87, loving father, grandfather, and brother, formerly of Leesport, passed away Monday October 7th in Phoebe Berks in Wernersville.

He was married to the late Eunice E. (Mohr) Graeff who passed away August 11, 2012. William and Eunice were married February 14, 1948 and celebrated 64 ½ years of marriage.

Born in Perry Twp., he was the son of the late Howard Graeff and Mabel (Strausser) Graeff.

He was employed by the former Dana Corporation in Reading for twenty five years and in earlier years he was employed by Kauffman Furniture on Penn St. in Reading for many years. He served in the Navy during WW II.

He was a member of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Leesport.

From 1957 until 1963 he owned several stock cars which raced at the Reading Fairgrounds and he provided an opportunity for young drivers to be introduced to stock cars by getting their first ride in the stock car. He was a member of the Hawk Mountain Early V 8 Ford Club and was a volunteer at the Labor Council Food Bank of Berks County.

For over forty five years he was the community Santa Claus in Berks County at the Heritage Center and the Dana United Steelworkers annual Christmas party.

For many years Bill portrayed Santa Claus at Christmas, assisted by his wife Eunice, and traveled throughout Leesport visiting children and giving them gifts to brighten up their holiday season.

Surviving are two sons, Forrest J. Graeff, husband of Jane of Grantville and Joel S. Graeff, husband of Gail of Raleigh, NC.

There are four grandchildren, Erhardt C., Lydia J., Heather L., and Lindsay M. Graeff.

Also, one sister, Catherine, widow of Calvin Mull of Leesport.

He was predeceased by his siblings, John and Paul Graeff and Mary Rickert.

Funeral services will be Thursday October 10th at 11 AM in the Milkins Giles Funeral Home, Inc., 4914 Kutztown Rd., Temple with Rev. David F. Wood officiating. Family and friends may attend a viewing on Thursday morning from 10 AM until time of service in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, 308 Main St., Leesport, PA 19533.