Grottkau, Jr., William A. Bill Grottkau was born June 1, 1930 in Oakland, CA and passed away on June 13, 2015 in Sacramento, CA. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1948. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War then graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1957 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He later obtained a Masters of Science degree in Engineering at U.C. Davis. A dedicated public servant for 40 years, he retired in 1994 as Chief of the Testing and Specifications Branch of the California Department of Transportation Materials Research Lab.
He was a long-time resident of Carmichael, with his loving wife of 57 years Eithne (Hughes), where he was a dedicated member of St. John the Evangelist Parish. He will be welcomed into heaven by his daughter, Catherine, who preceded him in death in 1988. He leaves behind his sons Patrick (Corinne), Michael (Shannon), Brian (Sharon) and James (Janie), his son-in-law Victor (Susan), his 15 grandchildren and their spouses, 3 great grandchildren and his brother Robert (Carol). Bill was, first and foremost, a dedicated family man. He coached his brother to a career in professional football, supported his children through multiple sports, especially swimming, traveling to practices, college meets, Nationals, NCAAs, Junior Olympics and many other competitions throughout their youth. He continued to support his grandchildren through their sporting and academic activities as well. He was the best husband, father and grandfather EVER!
After his retirement, Bill traveled throughout the world extensively with his wife, children, brother and friends. He could strike up a friendly conversation with anyone, anywhere. Bill truly left the world a better place than he found it.
Friends are welcome for visitation Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. and a rosary at 7 p.m. at Lind Brothers Funeral Home, 4221 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael. A celebration of his life will take place Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, 5751 Locust Ave., Carmichael, with interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bill's memory can be made to the Catherine Grottkau-Pitton Memorial Scholarship at Jesuit High School c/o Development Office, 1200 Jacob Lane, Carmichael, CA 95608 or a charity of your choice . The family wishes to thank Bill's physicians and nurses and the compassionate caregivers in the cardiac ICU at Mercy General Hospital for their outstanding care.
