Gerald J. Graf
Wednesday, March 26, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Age:
84 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday March 22, 2015
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday March 23, 2015
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Monday March 23, 2015
Time: 11:30 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Wednesday, March 26, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Age:
84 years old
Wednesday, March 26, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Age:
84 years old
Gerald J. Graf
The funeral Service for Gerald Joseph Graf will be at 11:30AM, Monday, March 23, 2015 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Nelson officiating. Visitation will be 2:00PM – 5:00PM Sunday, March 22, 2015 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Gerald “Jerry” Graf, 84, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Jerry was born on March 26, 1930 in Caledonia, Minnesota to Peter and Bernice (Howard) Graf. He graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin, then entered the United States Marines. He served in Korea and participated in three amphibious landings. He was part of the brotherhood of the “Frozen Chosin” and fought in the battle for the Chosin Reservoir. After the service he returned to La Crosse. On June 6, 1953, he married Dorothy Hoeppner at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota.
Jerry was a salesman for DALCO, retiring after 30 plus years.
He is survived by his children; Diane (Chuck) Graf Kremer of Rochester, Thomas (Sue) Graf of Byron, Lorri (Jeff) Predmore of Rochester, Nancy (Cindy McFarlin) Graf of Rochester, Kathy (Tom) Doll of Rochester and Mary Beth (Curt) Ihrke of Eyota; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; one sister, Mary Ann Lucas of North Oaks, Minnesota. He is also survived by his 15 year companion, Diane Collins of Onalaska.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and a granddaughter, Gina.
Jerry wintered in Florida for 13 years. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.
Memorials are suggested to Mayo Hospice, La Crosse, Wisconsin.
On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Gerald J. Graf has received the following condolences.
Nancy, Kathy and family: I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. What a supporting man. A man who truly loved his family. Remember the ball games, Dells Café.....those where the days. May your memories give you peace and strength during this difficult time. God Bless you all!!!
Lori & Jeff and Family - so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences to you & yours.
Sorry to here of the passing of your dad. He was a great guy: he always had a smile and something positive too say.
Gary Erickson
I was planning on attending the funeral today but decide not to because of the snow. I was sorry to read the obituary I haven't seen him for some time. It was a good picture his smile brought back some good memories of when we were kids and he was like a big brother. he will be missed
He was especially open and honest about himself, never manipulating any given circumstances at the expense
of others. And as a Marine during the Korean War, he directly participated in major combats. Moreover, Jerry
maintained a great sense of humor throughout his life, with generally a bit of Marine " spicy jargon " to more
graphically make his point. I personally will miss Jerry like the " sun on a beautiful summer morning. "
With my deepest condolences to Jerry's family,
Tom and family,
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your father.
Sincerely,
Bruce and Karen Schramm
So sorry to hear of your father's passing, it is always hard t lose someone you love. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We sure had good times growing up with our families and you will always have wonderful memories. Your dad is no longer in pain and is in Heaven with your mom.
Deb Stevens (Norvet).
So very sorry for your loss.
My sympathy to Tom and the rest of Jerry's family. Jerry was the best salesman and a good friend. I enjoyed the many conversations we would have when he came to sell me cleaning products. Rest in peace my friend.
Hello Neighbor . Tom, we were sorry to read about your dad . Jerry always had that one of a kind smile. It was so nice that he was able to winter for the last 13 years at Your's & Sue's place in Florida. Our condolences to You, Sue, and the Kids.
DICK & KAREN
Rest in peace Marine, neighbor, and friend!!!
Keith Hunter
My condolences on your loss. Mr. Graf seems like a sweet man. Please accept a word of comforting word from God's Word found at Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds."~jw.org
You and your family are in my prayers.
No matter how old we are, losing a parent is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But his goodness, caring, and wisdom will live on, like a legacy of love that will always be with you. With deepest sympathy,
Angela and Willie Halbert
As a retired service member that did a tour in Korea, I commend Gerald for selfless sacrifice during the Korean War, my condolences to the family, God Bless
James