Joseph William Gratzol

Joseph W. Gratzol passed on April 14, 2026, at the age of 97. He was born on December 31, 1928, in Baton Rouge, LA to Joseph Carl Gratzol, a watchmaker, and his mother Evelyn Rae Fancil. Joe graduated from Mishawaka High School class of 1947. Joe served in Germany with the U.S. occupation forces. He married Lois E. Kronewitter in 1954 and had 4 children Jon, Julie, Larry, and Dale. Joe’s Sister Barbara Overlease passed away in January 2009.

In March 1960 Joe graduated from Reisch Auction School in Mason City, Iowa. Joe loved the auction profession. In June 1964 he became vice president of the South Bend-Mishawaka Auto Auction INC. After working with his stepfather Donald Kambol, they formed Midwest Auction Service Corp. Although they were known as Commercial & Industrial Auctioneers. They had many fine estate auctions. Joe was a past member of Indiana Auctioneers Assoc. and the National Auctioneers Assoc.

In keeping with Joe’s wishes cremation and a private family service will take place. Palmer Funeral Homes – Bubb Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with final arrangements.