William Frederick Grettenberger, son of Johann "John" Christian (1843-1923) and Mary Catherine Louise (Haag) (1853-1918) Grettenberger, was born 01 December 1877, Meridian Township, Ingham County, Michigan. William was born, raised and lived on the same Dobie Road, Okemos farm land until his death 13 April 1951. He never married but was very involved in the Meridian Farm Bureau and elected to the Board of Reviews for Meridian Township. William was an inherent farmer, never leaving the land he so loved. His World War I Draft Registration, dated 12 September 1918, described William as being 5'6" with blue eyes and brown hair.

An 1888 enrolled pupil in Okemos Union School, William did not go beyond the 8th grade in education. He farmed with his father and in later years worked side by side with his younger brother, John. One of 11 known children, William's German root stock was one of hard labor and investment in the land. In his last years, William lived with his brother John and his widowed sister, Agnes Everett. He was interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.

Grettenberger, William Frederick (never married) ad selling livestock, Lansing State Journal, 27 November 1913, Page 11

Grettenberger, William (never married) obit, Lansing State Journal, Saturday, April 14, 1951

Grettenberger, William (never married ) obit, Lansing State Journal, Wednesday, April 18, 1951