Robert Graff's Obituary
Robert J. Graff
Robert J. Graff, age 79 of Oshkosh, passed away on February 27, 2012 at Eden Meadows Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with cancer. Robert was born March 15, 1932 in Highland Park, Illinois, the son of Frederick J. and Lucille (Helm) Graff.
He was united in marriage to Leatrice A. Barhke on November 29, 1952 in Dubuque, Iowa. Bob enjoyed duck hunting and fishing on Rush Lake where he and Lea lived for many years. He also hunted deer and turkey at the ?40? near Neshkoro, WI. For many years he also enjoyed sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago. He was an avid Cribbage player and loved the poker parties with his Army Reserve buddies the ?Dirty Dozen.?
Robert was a lifelong member of First English Lutheran Church. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and later in the Army Reserves for 34 years. Robert was employed by Oshkosh Truck for many years. He was also an avid member of Ducks Unlimited, Lakeshore Fishing Club, and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leatrice, three children, Ron (Debbie) Oshkosh, Brian (Tammy), Omro, and Bonita, Oshkosh. Six granddaughters, Alexis, Catherine (Troy Stadler), Olivia Graff, Oshkosh. Melissa (Jason) Watkins, Oshkosh, Nichole (Adam) Pugh, Omro, Natalie Graff, Oshkosh. Four great grandchildren, Grace Graff-Stadler, Gavin and Chase Watkins and Raegan Pugh. Three step grandchildren, Curt, John and Andrea Taphorn, Oshkosh and step great grandchild, Devin Taphorn, two sisters, Marlene (Ken) Anderson, Rosemary (Jim) Kagel, sisters-in-law, Shirley Deniger and Linda Graff. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
Robert is preceded in death, by his parents, son, Robert Lee, brother, Richard Graff, sister, Betty Yanko, sister-in-law Karla Frank, and brother-in-law, Anthony Deniger.
The funeral service for Robert will be held at Fiss and Bills/ Poklasny Funeral Home, 865 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, WI at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 3, 2011. The Rev. Martin Ruge will officiate. Visitation with the family is from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service. Graveside military honors will follow the funeral service at Lakeview Cemetery.
A Memorial fund is being established for the Field of Honor Military Veteran Museum in Oshkosh in his name.
The family extends a very special thank you to everyone involved in Robert?s final days, for your loving care, compassion and concern.
Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home
865 S. Westhaven Dr.
920-235-1170
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