Goodbye Rotary Friend Jim Grathwol

Goodbye Rotary Friend Jim Grathwol

Grathwol, James Norbert 82, of Excelsior passed away on January 3, 2013, in Minneapolis. Preceded in death by his parents John (Jack) and Bozena Grathwol, brother John Grathwol, sister Mary Grathwol, and beloved wife Lael Grathwol.

An attorney in private practice, Jim was a wise counselor for his clients, a pillar in his community, and a generous and gentle father, guided by his strong Catholic faith. Summa Cum Laude graduate of both St. Thomas University and William Mitchell College of Law. He was a founding force of the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, the South Shore Senior Center, longtime member and past president of the Noon Excelsior Rotary Club, president of the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce, past Councilmember and city attorney for many lake area communities. Avid sailor, singer, philosopher, gardener and volunteer for the less fortunate.

Jim is survived by siblings Kathy Costa and Robert Grathwol, children Bob, John (Rosann Berry), Joan Olson (Steve), Jim (Sara Langworthy), Kate (Barry Kleider), Pook (Mark Gaddis), and twelve grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday January 12, 11 AM, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 680 Mill Street, Excelsior, with 10 AM gathering of family and friends at the church.

Visitation Friday 4-8 PM at Huber Funeral Home, 520 Second Street, Excelsior. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hope Community, Minneapolis or Visitation Monastery in Minneapolis, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or donor's choice.

Published in Star Tribune from January 6 to January 9, 2013