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James “Jim” Graf

May 02, 1947 - Oct 24, 2022

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James “Jim” Graf, 75, of Sheboygan, passed away at home on Monday, October 24, 2022. Jim was born in Kiel, Wisconsin on May 2, 1947 to the late Walter “Denny” and T. Marie (Maltby) Graf. Jim attended S.S. Peter and Paul and Kiel High School. Following high school, he attended Appleton Technical College, and was later a member of the first graduating class of Lifelong Learning at Lakeland University.

Jim moved to Sheboygan, WI in 1969 where he began working at Kohler Company. He met the love of his life, Yolanda, and they were married on June 15th, 1974 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Wilson. Jim spent the majority of his career employed by Sheboygan County, including more than 25 years as the Director of Child Support. He also served on the State Child Support Board.

Jim believed that a life well lived was one lived in service of others. In addition to spending 20 years as a City of Sheboygan Alderman, where he sat on and chaired multiple committees, and held the role of President of the Common Council, he also served on many parish boards as a member of Immaculate Conception Parish. Additionally, he was a member of many fraternal and service organizations, including the Kiel Jaycees, Rotary Club of Sheboygan, the Sheboygan Liar’s Club, Travelers Protective Association of America, Loyal Order of Moose, Knights of Columbus where he was a Forth Degree Knight, and the Sheboygan Elks Lodge #299, where he held the title of Exalted Ruler in 2016.

Jim was forever fundraising for the organizations he supported, and never missed an opportunity to ask friends and family to buy raffle tickets, particularly in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jim loved to travel, and he spent many years as a member of the Mayor’s International Committee, and together with Yolanda, made multiple trips to Sheboygan’s sister city of Esslingen, Germany.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Yolanda; daughters Nicole Graf of Milwaukee and Danielle (Jay) Davis of Holly Springs, NC; stepsister Diane “Dee” Morton (Steven) Saunders of Peoria, AZ; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Katherine “Kitty” Duecker Graf, uncle James “Jimmy” and aunt Angeline “Angie” Traas, brothers Charles “Chuck” Graf and Br. Michael Graf. OFM Cap., sister Sue Ann “Sue” Graf Reichwald, stepbrother Kurt Duecker, and stepsister Mary Kay Lorenz Stephen.

Family and friends may gather at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th Street in Sheboygan on Monday, October 31, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12 noon. Fr. Subi Thomas will officiate. Burial to follow in the Sheboygan Falls Cemetery.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, staff and volunteers of The Gathering Place, Barbara Gartmann, Ben Gartmann, Katie Lieberg, and the many other family, friends, and neighbors who helped throughout Jim’s illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice (https://ssrhospicehome.org/online-donation/), the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin (https://www.alz.org/wi), Big Brothers Big Sisters WI Shoreline (https://bbbswishoreline.org/donate-individual), or The Gathering Place (http://memorymattersmost.com/donate/).

Visitation

Date: Monday Oct 31, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: St. Peter Claver Catholic Church [map]

Mass of Christian Burial

Date: Monday Oct 31, 2022
Time: 12:00 p.m. noon
Location: St. Peter Claver Catholic Church [map]

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Guestbook Entries SIGN GUESTBOOK

Jim Quasius

Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to your family. My God grant you peace.

Vicki Bersch

I have just learned of Jim's passing! My sympathies to all!

Rusty Schroedel

Yo - So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I remember him from the old original Donohue days. He was always a positive, smiling person and will be missed. Sympathies from Eileen and I.

Joan & Dan Reseburg

We were sorry to hear of your loss. You have our sympathy.

Mike and Ann Helmke

Yo and family, Our sincere sympathy at the loss of Jim. We hold fond memories of you guys and we'll miss Jim's wit and humor. May God be with you all at this difficult time. Mike and Ann Helmke San Antonio,TX

Jean and Dick Felker

We are so sorry for your loss.

Fern Meyer

Dear Graf family. Deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man. He had wonderful stories and a great sense of humor. He will be missed by many. God Bless.

Larschelby Kidd

I'm having a glass of Scotch and toasting you and Brother Michael. 🥃

Mary Illgen

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace.

Dave & kathy

Jim was a great man a great Elk and will be missed

Chad Pelishek

Jim was a great man involved in so much. His kind and thoughtfulness to all will be missed. Prayers to the Yolanda and his children. Cherish the great memories.

William/Judith Block

Dear Nicole, Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your Dad, Jim. Our prayers are with you. It has been a pleasure to know the Graf family - - Yolanda, Jim, Nicole and Danielle. So many memories over the years. We are so sorry.

Jean Beinemann

Dear Graf family, Sending my heartfelt sympathy. Jim was a great guy. May precious memories sustain you during the days ahead. RIP, Jim.

Mary M. Cappelle

Yolanda & Family, You have my deepest Sympathy on the death of Jim. God Bless Mary M. Cappelle

Laura Rice

Dear Yo, Nicole, and Danielle, So sorry for your loss of Jim and may the Lord comfort you all. He was a fine public servant, father, and friend.

Kim Canisius Hemsing

Jim was such a great guy! Great sense of humor and so easy to talk to. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family. Love to you and hugs! At least he is in peace ❤️

Charlene Hinze

Jim you were always a person who enjoyed laughter and spreading it around. You knew how to make a person laugh. You will be missed. Enjoyed the trips with you and Yo to Esslingen. RIP Jim. You will be missed.

Jo Anne Hayon

Jim, you will be missed by many. RIP. May the angels lead you into Paradise.