Obituary: Eunice M. Graf

Eunice M. Graf was called Home to be with the Lord and reunited with her husband, Robert, on Monday morning, Nov.  20, 2017 at Anna’s Healthcare CBRF in Sturgeon Bay as her son, Bill, prayed the Rosary with her. Eunice found comfort in praying the Rosary throughout her life.

Eunice was a lifelong resident of Sturgeon Bay. She was born May 27, 1922, the daughter of Ralph Noble Haskell and Rose Alice (Gerondale) Haskell. She attended Sunny Point School in Egg Harbor until third grade, then Corpus Christi Grade School in Sturgeon Bay until sixth grade, and completed her intermediate education at Holy Guardian Angels School (later St. Joseph School) in Sturgeon Bay. Eunice graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1939.

She was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Joseph Graf on June 20, 1942 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. They were blessed with more than 51 years of life together. Bob preceded Eunice in death on December 1, 1993.

Eunice was in ways a generation ahead of her time, as she balanced both her family and a career spanning 45 years at Peterson Builders Inc.  Eunice was the first female employee of PBI, having been hired at age 17 by Mrs. Peterson to assist with payroll, operating the switchboard, and many other administrative tasks. Eunice returned to work as each of her children reached school age, and retired in 1984 as a Material Control Clerk.

Eunice would often tell her family that she felt she had no talents or hobbies. Her true talent was reflected in her nurturing way, the generous volunteering of her time, and the sharing of her friendly nature with all.

She had a great love for her Catholic faith and St. Joseph Parish where she was a lifelong member. She enjoyed the fellowship of Christian Mothers and Women of Faith. From 1946 until 2007, she was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post #3088 in Sturgeon Bay, serving throughout the years as Secretary, Treasurer, and President. Eunice was currently a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post #8337 in Liberty Grove. She cared for her community through her involvement with “Respite” (hospice care) and Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Caregivers of Door County from 1984 until 2004. Bob and Eunice also delivered Meals on Wheels. Eunice was a longtime supporter of the Red Cross blood drives, donating over 10.5 gallons until her health prevented her from donating more.

Eunice cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family. She and Bob hosted countless family get-togethers, and invented the infamous “Graf Family Get-Together” where there was laughter, drinks, and more Nesco roasters of food than most people have ever seen together in one place.

Eunice’s love will live on in the hearts of her two sons and three daughters, Bill (Mary Ann) Graf, Sue (Ron) Le Sech, Diane Kittinger, all of Sturgeon Bay, Robert A. (Linda) Graf of Milton, and Michele (Kevin) Dolle of Pentwater, MI; thirteen grandchildren, Amy (Greg) Young, Beth (Scott) Rehman, and Terri (Joe) Somers, Lori Wery, Lisa Conlon, and Ronald Le Sech, Bradley, Brian (Jill) and Brett Kittinger, and Jamie (Eric) Buesing, Lindsey (Pete) Deol and Allison Graf, and Evan (Jenny) Burnside; twelve great-grandchildren, Sam and Ellen Somers, Jackson and Austin Wery, Jordan, Jared, and Joshua Conlon, Lucas and Maya Kittinger, Caleb and Abigail Buesing, and Haleena Deol; beloved sister, Patricia Swagel of Sturgeon Bay; sister-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Parker of Lockport, IL; nieces and nephews; her St. Joseph Parish family; and many other dear friends.

She was welcomed Home by her parents; husband, Bob; brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Virginia Haskell; and brother-in-law, Anton Swagel.

Eunice’s life will be celebrated with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Robert Stegmann and Fr. Anthony Birdsall concelebrating. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery beside her husband, Bob.

Family and friends may call at Huehns Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm. The Rosary will be prayed at 3:40 pm and a parish wake service will be held at 7 pm. Visitation will continue at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 from 9 – 9:50 am.

Memorials may be given in Eunice’s honor to Neighbor-to-Neighbor Volunteer Caregivers of Door County and VFW Post #3088 of Sturgeon Bay.

The Graf family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Anna’s Healthcare and Dr. Richard Hogan for the wonderful care they provided to Eunice.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Eunice may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.