Bill Gradinger

William “Bill” Gradinger passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Aug. 29th, 2024 at age of 80. He was born to parents Harrison “Gale” Gradinger and Shirley Bell Saunders Gradinger in Pittsburg, Kansas on Sept. 27th, 1943.

After his graduation from Shawnee Mission North High School, Bill pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, where he graduated with a BA in Industrial Administration. Upon his graduation from KU in 1967, Bill proudly accepted his Air Force commission and was stationed at Reece Air Force Base, in Lubbock, Texas. Bill’s time in the Air Force also took him around the world as an F-5 delivery pilot, ferrying aircraft on a global scale. 

After concluding his Air Force service, Bill and his family returned to Kansas City, where he joined Golden Star Inc. as a part of the third generation of Gradingers to do so, alongside his cousins. Over the next 46 years, Bill worked tirelessly to support his family and legacy, finally retiring from his position of Executive Vice President of Golden Star in 2019, and continued to serve on the Board Of Directors until his passing.   Bill was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a true friend to many. It is difficult to parse his passions down to a few sentences, but among them, almost chiefly behind family, was golfing.

He is survived by his significant other, brother and sister-in-law, sons and their spouses, and four grandchildren, in addition to several cousins, two nieces and a nephew.