Dr. William (Bill) Gras, 89 of Zeeland passed away Thursday, March 19th, 2026.
He is survived by his children Mark Gras, Lynn Gras, Karin and David Carvalho, Sarah and Dave Munson, and granddaughters Anna and Ella Carvalho, and Mapi Munson; his siblings Evelyn Myaard, Andy and Annie Gras, Norma and Chuck Monsma, Marie Williams, Ester Mains, Joanne Gras and Leah Kelley, John and Von Gras.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn in 2020, and ever since his three daughters have been doing their best to match her unwavering support. He was born in Zeeland, MI. He graduated from Holland Christian, Calvin College, and University of Michigan School of Medicine. Dr. Gras had a PhD in physics, then became interested in optics while doing research so returned to school to become an opthalmologist/eye surgeon. He and Carolyn managed his practice in Zeeland. They both believed and embodied serving the under-served both through his medical practice at home and his medical mission trip adventures overseas, especially Mercy Ships. He was an avid ham radio operator and pilot and could often be found adjusting his antennae on the roof to reach voices around the world, or tinkering with his airplane in the garage, or modifying some invention using questionable physics but a whole lot of fun!
A family celebration of life will take place at a later date, and his ashes will be buried next to Carolyn on Churchill, Montana. Memorials may be made to Mercy Ships https://www.mercyships.org/
Comments