The funeral service for Robert W. Graf will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Claremont Methodist Church in Claremont, SD. Rev. Rodney Ulmer will officiate the service. Interment will be at the Houghton Cemetery under the direction of Olson Funeral Chapel of Britton.
Robert William Graf was born April 8, 1942 to Lester and Peggy (Brockhoff) Graf in Britton, SD. He grew up on the family farm and learned the ways of hard work early on. He attended country school until the 8th grade before graduating from Amherst High School in 1961. Following graduation he worked on the family farm.
On August 12, 1962 he married Janet Fried at the Congregational Church in Houghton. They made their home on the farm and were blessed with three children, Pernell, Lori and Lee. In 1978 Robert began working at Horton in Britton for roughly ten years. He then worked for Hub City in Aberdeen as a machinist. During the spring, summer and fall he did disc rolling for local area farmers.
Once Robert retired, he and Janet began traveling. They would often travel to Texas and from there they would go on cruises, even though Robert was not a fan of the water. They made many memories on their adventures but he was always ready to come home to the farm he loved so dearly.
In his early years he was a member of Oddfellows Lodge in Hecla and also part of the work union for both Horton and Hub City. He enjoyed wood working and leather work. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. Robert was a jokester and was able to make friends easily. As his health declined, he moved to Avantara Nursing Home in 2023. He and Janet shared a room while there and they were able to be together before his passing.
RobertpassedawayThursday, March 21, 2024 at Avantara Redfield at the age of 81.
He is survived by his wife, Janet of Redfield; his children: Pernell Graf and Lori Meany, both living on the family farm near Houghton; his grandchildren: Casey (Amber) Seelye, Amanda (Derrald) Herrald, Brady Graf, Alexander Graf, Caroline (Matthew) Richards, and Dylan Graf; 8 great-grandchildren; step-sister, Marge (Ed) Hunnecker and step-brother, Robert (Patti) Huettl.
Preceding him in death were his parents; step mother, Esther; son, Lee Graf; grandson, Cody Seelye; brother, Delmar Graf; step-brother, Clarence Huettl; step sisters: Rosemary (Lyle) Walker and Lorraine (Roy) Gruensten; parents-in-law, Martha and Carl Fried; and step-father-in-law, Rueben Ackerman.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Pernell Graf – 10952 406th Ave – Houghton, SD 57449 An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com
