Wilmar Grabow

Wilmar “Wil” A. Grabow, 85, of Hawley, MN, died Friday, January 1, 2016, in Palliative Care at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Wilmar August Grabow was born on July 11, 1930, in Mankato, MN, to August and Frieda Reinke Grabow. He grew up in Good Thunder, MN, and Rapidan, MN; graduating from Rapidan High School. During high school, he enjoyed playing basketball with his team that made it to the state tournament. Wil started college at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and continued to the University of Minnesota, graduating from the School of Pharmacy. In 1955, Wil enlisted in the United States Army, where he served until 1957 and continued with the Army Reserves until 1960.
On April 11, 1959, Wil married Phyllis Lysaker in Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN. They lived in Coon Rapids where Wil worked for Anoka Drug. In 1966 they moved to Hawley, MN, and purchased Wahl Drug, operating for 50 years in 2016. Wil also owned and operated Ulen Drug in Ulen, MN for several years. He earned a life membership and served on the Board of Directors for the MN State Pharmaceutical Association. The Association also awarded him for his 50 years of pharmacy service. Wil was a past president and active member of the Hawley Chamber of Commerce. In 1985, the Hawley Area Jaycees awarded him Outstanding Businessman of the Year. Wil was involved in the planning of the Hjemkomst Center by giving a recommendation of using the Potato House.

Wil enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and especially golfing. He also had a love for dogs and owned many dogs throughout the years that became a part of his family. Wil was always an active member at Hegland Lutheran Church, serving on many committees over the years. Wil taught Sunday School at Hawley Lutheran Church and Hegland Lutheran Church.

Wil is survived by his wife, Phyllis, Hawley, MN; three daughters, Lysa Swanson, Eden Prairie, MN, Sue Jeff Rockwell, Lakeville, MN, and Sarah Roy Kieffer, Fargo, ND; four granddaughters, Alyssa Rockwell, Sarah Anne Swanson, Lauren Rockwell and Elizabeth Kieffer; and nephew, Drs. Warren Katrina Rehwaldt and their children, Justin and James.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria Charles Rehwaldt; infant brother, Frederick Grabow; niece, Cristine Rehwaldt and nephew, Rev. Alan Rehwaldt.

Visitation: Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Funeral: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN.

Interment: Hegland Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN.