Gaynel Catherine “Sue” Graft:1926-2009
Gaynel Catherine “Sue” Graft, age 82, died Monday, March 9, 2009 at her home. She was a lifelong resident of Lake Township in Allen County, growing up on her family’s dairy farm and later being an integral part of Graft Milk Transport with her husband and sons for 64 years.
Gaynel, “Sue” was born September 14, 1926, a daughter of the late Fred and Georgia (Valentine) Blessing. She was married in Fort Wayne on June 1, 1946 to Donald Graft for 61 years. A member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, she worked at the G.E. plant and later as secretary-treasure of Southwest Allen County Schools for 30 years. She loved her family and spent many hours taking care of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gaynel is survived by her daughter Diane (Ed) Mayer, Valrico, Florida, sons Jim (Vicki) Graft and Donald Graft, Brother Milan (Helen) Blessing, sister Charlotte (Norman) Schaefer all of Fort Wayne, grandchildren Jami (P.J.) Steffen, Avon, Kendall (Tyler) Hoffman, Columbia City, Jeremy (Nichole) Mayer, Ocoee, Florida SP4C Gregory Mayer, Ft. Bliss, Texas, Kelli (Chris) Moran, Alissa (Ken) Knepple, Ian, Aaron and Brandon Graft, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Seven grandchildren; Timothy Knepple, Rebekah, Joshua, Jessica and Luke Steffen, Lydia and Clara Moran.
Gaynel was preceded in death by her husband Donald and brother Kenneth Blessing.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 14, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 West California Road, with Rev. William Mueller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday in the church from 3:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until service time.
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March 13th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
To the Family of Sue Graft from the Family of Harold Emil Graft. Our sympathy in the loss of your Mother. Diane it has been a long time and I hope all of you are doing well.
I still remember the Graft Reunion at their home on the Leesburg Road.It was over 50 years ago ..
GOD’s Blessings.
Judith Graft Blumenherst Marbach
March 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Dear Jim and Vicky and family,
No matter how long we have our parents with us it is always a huge life transition to proceed through life without them right there next to us. Your mother was a great support and loving example for you. Hold those memories high as they pour down to those generations to come. Tell her story often to those grandchildren so they can continue to know her beauty. May this year bring the comfort of family, the tears of joy in sending her to heavenly realms, and the surrounding, strengthening love of Christ to all of you. My sympathy and condolences, Lois
March 15th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Jim Just a note to let you know how sorry we are. I know Mom is still a special person in your life. Our prayers go to you and the Graft family. We will keep your mom in our prayers. The Hakes–Jerry and Jackie