Edward Wade Grauberger

Edward Wade Grauberger, 73, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday the 9th of September 2023, with loving family by his side. Born and raised in Kansas City, he also spent time in southern Missouri. He traveled widely throughout the country and in particular around the midwest region, but always returned to the city he called home. From an early age he was an independent and industrious man, plying his hand at any trade he could learn. He had an innate understanding of machines, and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. He could fix almost anything. Over the course of his life he held countless occupations. He was a cook, a restaurant manager, an auto mechanic, an exterminator, an iron worker, a painter, a maintenance supervisor, a factory worker, a retail manager, and more. For nearly a decade, he was a fixture at Mr. Z’s In and Out on west 39th Street, where he could often be found behind the counter. There, he met folk from every stripe of life, forming lasting friendships and bonds throughout the midtown community. Many of the people he got to know during his time there were unhoused, indigent, or otherwise living on the street. He saw them as his fellow man, often hiring them to do odd jobs, yard work, and anything else he could, to help them find a way to land on their feet again. He was a generous soul who truly believed that everyone was deserving of basic human kindness. A man of many interests, he loved the outdoors, music, and the simple pleasures in life. He loved animals, and rescued several dogs, including senior dogs, knowing they might have more trouble finding homes. He loved the quiet solitude of the woods, often escaping to the national forest with his wife and dogs. He also loved being on the lake with his nephews, a fishing pole in his hand. He was passionate about history and the lessons it contained, about family — both blood and found, but most of all he loved to make people smile. He had a keen mind, a sharp wit, and an excellent sense of humor. He was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, watching every game. Then he would watch again if they won, maybe several times. His fandom started at a very early age, and he had the chance to be an usher for a few games in his teens. He was a true fan, through the good years and the bad. When he married his wife, Marcia, later in life, he gained a family he had not expected to have. His favorite part was becoming ‘Grandpa Ed,’ a role which brought him great joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Pauline (Fry), along with his brother, George Jr., sisters Marilyn “Sue” Miles and Nancy O’Neal, nephew Monte Bounds, great-nephew Adam Bounds, and niece Deborah O’Neal. He is survived by his wife, Marcia, her sons, Bob and Leland Dell, daughter Sara Dell, grandchildren Robert, Ava, and Elowyn Dell, sister Judy (Mike) Walberg, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. He will be remembered fondly and deeply missed by us all. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to make donations to organizations helping the unhoused and underserved. Visitation: 1:00-2:00 PM, Celebration of Life: 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Maple Hill Funeral Home

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Edward Wade Grauberger

August 29, 1950 - September 9, 2023