Wilhelm Rudolf Grasser

Wilhelm (Willi) Rudolf Grasser passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, love, and hard-earned success. Born in Vienna, Austria, on May 23, 1925, Wilhelm came of age during one of history’s most turbulent eras.

During the German takeover of Austria just before WWII, he resisted the Nazi regime by attending secret gatherings where participants danced to forbidden American jazz music, including his favorite, Louis Armstrong. Later, he joined activities with the Austrian underground, which led to two arrests by the feared Gestapo. Saved by an influential family member, he was released, first to forced labor service and later conscripted into the German army at just 17. After training in Czechoslovakia and serving in Norway as a “political undesirable,” he was sent to the Russian Front. Captured in Poland, he spent three years in a Russian prison camp, where his friendly demeanor—and the kindness of a guard who gave him less brutal work—helped him survive. Of the many held captive, only one in three ever made it home.

After the war, Wilhelm met his wife, Maria, and together they immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity and freedom. Building a life from the ground up, Wilhelm founded his own painting company. Through tireless work and unwavering dedication, he grew it into a thriving enterprise, earning the respect of his community.

An avid skier, swimmer and soccer player who also loved social dancing, he embraced life with energy and optimism, sharing his passions with family and friends.

Wilhelm and Maria raised two children, Monica Grasser Schwartz and Henry John Grasser, who were the pride of his life. His wartime experiences had deepened his lifelong sense of justice, and he sought to pass those lessons on to his children. When the film Schindler’s List was released in 1993, an emotional Willi brought them to see it, determined that they understand the atrocities of war and the importance of compassion.

He later welcomed his children’s spouses, David Walter Schwartz and Jennifer Gellman Grasser, into the family with open arms. Wilhelm’s greatest joy came from his four grandchildren—Madeline, David, Max, and Jacob—whom he lovingly cared for and proudly supported, cheering them on at their soccer games and celebrating every milestone.

Much like “Norm” from Cheers—the beloved everyman—Willi had a twinkle in his eye and a warmth that drew everyone to him. He had an infectious sense of humor and laughed often.

Wilhelm will be remembered as a husband, a loving father and grandfather, a courageous survivor, and a self-made man who felt so fortunate to celebrate turning 100 years old! To family and friends alike, he was a source of optimism, wisdom, and love.

In honor of Wilhelm’s life:

A Celebration of Life open house will be held:

Sunday, November 9th, 1-4 pm,

Henry & Jennifer Grasser,

#17 Hillvale Dr. Clayton, MO 63105

Please RSVP [email protected]