John Joseph Graff, age 80, of Rockwood, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 29th 2021, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
John was born on January 13, 1941 in the town of Two Rivers, son of the late Raymond W. and Clementine L. (Stadler) Graff. He grew up on the family farm and was a graduate of Two Rivers Washington High School in 1959. John served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 till 1963. Following his honorable discharge from the military he began an apprenticeship to become a machinist with Hydra Tools in Two Rivers which led him to become a tool and die maker. John retired from the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in 2003. On August 19, 1967 John married the former Carol J. Rebechek at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kellnersville. The couple began their married life in the Green Bay area, spending the last 40 years in the town of Kossuth.
John saw value in taking care of the earth, leading him to design and build an earth sheltered-passive solar house in the 1970’s. He worked on organic farming, getting a hybrid car and raising fallow deer. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, farming and being a good friend, father and husband to his family. John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellnersville where he served as an usher and server for funerals.
John is survived by his wife: Carol Graff, Rockwood; one son and daughter-in-law: Craig Graff and Kathrine TePas, Anchorage, AK; one daughter and son-in-law: Christine (Joseph) Lustik, Missoula, MT; brothers and sisters: Richard (Judy) Graff, Two Rivers, Bob Graff, Crystal Falls, MI, Sue Erickson, Appleton, and Margaret (Don) Gotcher, Belgium; brother-in-law: Jim Shavlik, West Bend; three sisters-in-law: Rita Orth, Arlene Anderson, Ruth Griffie (friend: Tom Barteleme); and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Clementine Graff; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Donal and Loretta Rebechek; one sister: Ann Shavlik; four brothers-in-law: Joe Erickson, Clifford Orth, Donald Anderson, and Gene Genrich.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellnersville. The Rev. Santiago Turiano Jr. will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with entombment to follow at the Knollwood Mausoleum. Friends and family may call on Thursday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Kellnersville is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to express a very special thank you to Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, HomeCare and Hospice for all the special care given to John and his family. “Thank You”
