Richard Grafft 1930-1977

GRAFFT, BABCOOK, AHRENDSEN, STOLTE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/16/2019 at 10:40:12

8 September 1977 - Midland Times

Richard L. Grafft, 46, died Wednesday, August 31, at his farm home, the victim of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church, Olin, on Friday, September 2, at 1:30 p.m., with burial in Center Cemetery near Morley. Rev. Ralph Grote officiated at the services. Mrs. Tom Levsen was organist, and Loren Hartwig, soloist, sang "How Great Thou Art".

Pallbearers were Harlan Tallman, Ivan Duncan, Robert Glenn, Lloyd Andre, Russell Tenley and Everett Russell.

He was born at Anamosa on November 17, 1930, the son of Marion and Emma Hansen Grafft. He graduated from the Olin High School with the class of 1948.

He was united in marriage to Doris Babcook on September 16, 1951 and the couple made their home at the present farm. He served in the United States Army from 1952-53. He was a member of the United Methodist church, American Legion Post 412, Ancient Landmark Lodge #200 A.F.A.M., Hiawatha Chapter O.E.S. #394, and had served as secretary of the Masonic Lodge for several years. He had also served as a member of the Olin Board of Education.

Survivors include his wife, Doris and five children, Mrs. Robert (Rosalie) Ahrendsen, Oxford Junction, Ross Grafft, Osage, Mrs. Randy (Rhonda) Stolte, Olin, and Rochele and Roger at home; his mother, Mrs. Emma Grafft, Anamosa, and two brothers, Chester Grafft, Princeton, Illinois and Garth Grafft, of Marengo, and one grandson.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1960.