Fourth Generation

35. John Francis GRAF was born on 15 August 1926 in Clifton, Clifton Township, Monroe County, WI.^23,59 He graduated in 1944 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁶⁰ from Tomah High School. He later served as the Mayor of Tomah. He died on 17 December 2011 at the age of 85 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁵⁹

Obituary Notes: "John F. Graf, age 85, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2011. He was born to John A and Evelyn (Honish) Graf in Clifton, Wis., on August 15, 1926.

John grew up on his family’s farm and attended the Graf School in Clifton until eighth grade. He then went to Tomah High School through his junior year. In his senior year, his family moved to Wauwatosa where he graduated.

Following high school he joined the Navy and served on a destroyer during World War II. After the war, John enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a degree in Business Administration. While in school he played for the UW football and baseball teams.

On June 14, 1952, John was united in marriage to Mary L. Rose at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (Indian Creek), Camp Douglas. From 1952-1958, John worked for JI Case in Davenport, Iowa, and Giant Grip in Oshkosh. John and Mary moved back to Tomah in 1958 where he began his career with the Tomah Cash Store. He owned the store along with John Rose for over 30 years.

John was very community minded and active in many organizations. He served as the first President of the Tomah Chamber of Commerce and was Mayor for four years. He was also a member of the Hiawatha Golf Club, American Legion and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. John was an avid baseball player and started the first traveling team in Tomah in the early 60s. His other interests included deer hunting, Badger sports, canoeing, fishing, camping and playing bridge and euchre.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Graf of Tomah and his sons, John (Roberta), David (Chris) and Jim (Heidi). In addition he was survived by his grandchildren; Julie, Andy, Elizabeth, Eric, Therese, Daniel and Michael, and his brother Edwin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn, and sisters, Jeanette Cerutti and Jane Brevitz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 22, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Steve Ketchel will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, December 21, 2011, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a parish rosary at 4 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers you may send donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin."

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John Francis GRAF and Mary Louise ROSE were married on 14 June 1952 in Indian Creek, Oakdale Township, Monroe County, WI.^28,59,61 Mary Louise ROSE, daughter of Herbert Arthur ROSE and Alma JOHNSON, was born on 30 April 1926 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^23,61 She died on 16 December 2019 at the age of 93.⁶¹

Obituary Notes: "Mary L. Graf (Rose), 93, of Tomah passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. She was born to Herbert and Alma (Johnson) Rose, in Tomah, Sept. 30, 1926.

Mary grew up in Tomah and attended Tomah public schools. After high school, Mary enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a degree in education. Mary taught in Sparta, Pendleton, Oregon, McHenry, Illinois and Tomah. Mary was married to John Graf June 14, 1952, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (Indian Creek), Camp Douglas.

Mary was involved in many organizations including the Tomah Police and Fire Commission, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tomah Public Library, Trees for Tomorrow and Tomah Study Club. Mary was an avid Badgers fan and an active alumni member. Mary enjoyed watching her sons sports activities, going on family camping trips, playing bridge and spending time with family and grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, John (Roberta), David (Chris) and Jim (Heidi). In addition she is survived by her grandchildren, Julie (Alan) Domeyer, Andy (Jessie) Graf, Elizabeth (Tim) Kubiszewski, Eric (Katie) Graf, Therese, Daniel and Michael Graf; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Sauthoff.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Alma; her husband, John; and her brother, John.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a church service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. A light meal will be held at the church following the committal service at the cemetery."

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John Francis GRAF and Mary Louise ROSE had the following children: