Obituary for
Stephen Gratzer McWilliams
Stephen Gratzer McWilliams, 70, of Greenwood, IN died Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Stephen was born on April 19, 1943 in Bedford, IN to Paul and Helen (Gratzer) McWilliams. He graduated from Brownstown High School in 1961 and was employed at AMOCO Chemicals Corporation in Seymour, IN. He married Judith K. Spurgeon on September 9, 1964 in Brownstown, IN. Stephen went on to graduate from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree (1967) and Master’s Degree (1968) in Electrical Engineering where he received honors as a distinguished student. He taught physics at Montmorenci High School in Tippecanoe County (1967-1968). Following graduation, Stephen had a successful career in electrical engineering with Arvin Industries (1968 - 1973), RCA (1973 - 1978), and ATandT Bell Labs (1978 - 1999). During his career, he was a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff of Bell Labs, and held several patents. Stephen never met a stranger, and was a practical jokester at heart - bringing joy and laughter to everyone he met. He was a member of ARC of Johnson County, and enjoyed photography, building radio-control airplanes, and was an amateur radio operator. Survivors include his wife Judith of 48 years, daughter Stephanie of San Diego, CA; sons Douglas of Indianapolis, IN and Derek (Hannah) of Greenwood, IN; and sister Sarah (Don) Grider of Brownstown, IN. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 at W R Ewing; 1105 W. Spring Street, Brownstown, IN from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We encourage you to bring your favorite “Steve Stories” for group sharing, beginning promptly at 2 p.m. (or email to steve.mc.stories@gmail.com). Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Suite 550, Chicago, IL 60631.