Remembering Wolfgang Grasst, 1940-2025
Family and friends are remembering Wolfgang Grasst, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Wolfgang Grasst
July 30, 1940 – May 3, 2025Wolfgang Grasst passed away peacefully at home on May 3, surrounded by his family, after a long journey with dementia. He was 84.
Born in Germany in 1940, Wolfgang immigrated to Seattle with his parents at the age of 14. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958 and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. It was there he met his beloved wife Sharon — who still remembers being impressed by his sharp sense of style and his love of a fast car.
Wolfgang was a true entrepreneur at heart. He and his father, Georg, opened Georg Grasst, Inc.—a foreign auto parts business that grew to six locations and a warehouse in Seattle over the course of 25 successful years. Wolfgang brought his passion for quality, innovation, and mentorship into every aspect of the business. He encouraged employees to share ideas and often paid for classes to help them grow. Sharon joined him in running the business, overseeing the accounting side, and their sons pitched in with odd jobs — learning how to paint cars and turn a wrench, just like their dad and Opa.
After stepping away from the auto parts industry, Wolfgang embraced a second career in real estate with Windermere. Gregarious and generous, he thrived in the industry, mentoring newer agents even in a competitive environment. It was never just business for Wolfgang — it was about building relationships and helping others succeed.
Wolfgang and Sharon raised two sons, Wolfgang Jr. and Tony, and he took immense pride in being a father and, later, an Opa to three grandsons and a growing generation of great-grandchildren. He coached soccer teams, hosted epic Easter egg hunts, and built pinewood derby cars that defied the laws of physics (and made a few competitive dads a little suspicious). He believed in the value of education, sending his sons to German summer school and even taking them to Germany to connect with their roots.
Wolfgang’s playful spirit made ordinary days unforgettable: wrestling matches in the living room, ping pong games that no one could win but everyone loved, and VW bug rides through the streets of West Seattle. He was funny, sharp, and always full of energy. Even as his memory faded, his love of music — especially the blues — never left him. He could still light up a room with a good joke or a good tune.
In retirement, Wolfgang found joy in cooking elaborate meals, tackling handyman projects with professional precision, and hosting lively birthday parties where he mixed his signature MaiTais and turned gatherings into celebrations.
He was a man of many talents — engineer, entrepreneur, real estate agent, mentor, cook, handyman, music lover — but most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Wolfgang, thank you for all the laughter, lessons, and love. You left your mark on each of us. We miss you deeply—and we celebrate the life you lived so fully.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Seattle Food Bank westseattlefoodbank.org; White Center Food Bank whitecenterfoodbank.org; Public Broadcasting Service pbs.org; or a charity of your choice.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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