William De Graaf Jr.

William De Graaf, Jr. passed away at the University of Michigan Health-West hospital in Wyoming, Michigan, on September 8, 2025, after a long journey with dementia. He was born in Zeeland, MI on March 12, 1948, to William De Graaf and Marian (Van Den Bosch) De Graaf. He attended Zeeland Elementary School and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1966. Rising above a traumatized childhood but never leaving it behind, Bill independently put himself through college and earned a degree in theatre from Hope College in Holland, MI on June 1,1970. Following his passion for film, he worked as a cameraman for a local TV station and produced films for the Michigan Department of Tourism. He was also introduced to the world of puppetry and theater by his friend Burr Tilstrom, who was nationally known for his TV series Kukla, Fran and Ollie.

He married Susan Stejskal on August 25, 1973, in Holland, Michigan. They moved to the East Lansing, Michigan area where Bill launched his career at Michigan State University working in the Language Laboratory, providing technical support and handling equipment design, development, and installation. He also developed an interest in computers which served him well throughout his career. After a separation in 1984, he and Susan divorced on July 17,1986.

Bill married his best friend and soulmate, Linda Donoghue on September 19,1986, at Martin Luther Chapel in East Lansing, Michigan. During the 39 years they were married, he worked for the USDA Forest Service in Washington, DC, and became self-employed after they moved to Wisconsin, and later Minnesota. He freelanced as a computer specialist and then worked for BioDynamics as a database developer and manager until he retired in 2010. He and Linda purchased a farm in Spring Grove, Minnesota in 2004 where he lived until moving to Michigan in 2022.

He loved biking, swimming, woodworking, photography, and caring for animals, especially his dogs XP Ice and Shooter, his final and beloved companion. Bill was a loving, kind-hearted friend, who embraced new adventures and challenges with open arms and a big smile. He loved his wife to the very end. He is survived by his wife, Linda, siblings and extended family. Rest in peace Bill, in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father. I kept my promise to you. You deserve the best and finally have it, forever.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Bill's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.