Thomas J. Graf

Thomas J. Graf, 96 years, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Wellspring Lutheran Services in Monroe. Born April 16, 1918 in Toledo, Ohio, Tom was the son of the late John and Selma (Ronecker) Graf. He attended school in Monroe and was a 1936 graduate of Monroe High School. Tom furthered his education by attending Michigan State University and Elgin Watch Maker College in Illinois. On August 30, 1939 Tom married his beloved wife, the former Estella K. Lange in Toledo. Sadly, she preceded him in death on November 6, 2003 after 64 years of marriage. Tom served his country honorably and proudly during WWII. For his valor he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Ribbon. Tom worked as a watch maker for his in laws at Lange’s Watch Shop in Monroe for 26 years. He then went on to work as an operator for the City of Monroe Waste Water Treatment Plant for 19 years, from which he retired in 1983. Tom was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an usher, School Board Member, and was a member of the men’s Bible study group. He was also a life member of the Monroe County Rod and Gun Club, where he enjoyed trap shooting, a life member of the NRA, and a former member of the Monroe Boat Club. He enjoyed spending time up north at the cabin, hunting, especially turkey hunting, fishing, golf, and traveling. Most of all Tom enjoyed time spent with family. Tom is survived by three loving daughters: Christine K. (Fred) Lemerand of Monroe, Judy A. (Ron) Schimming of Curtice, OH, and Susan B. McElroy of St. Louis, MO, five grandchildren: Karen Lemerand, Patrick and Matthew Schimming, Wendy Orcutt, and Colleen McElroy and 2 great grandchildren. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Tom was preceded in death by a brother: John Graf and a sister: Selma Hilliard. Visitation will be held on Friday from 2 - 6 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161 where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Jeffrey Heimsoth, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, will officiate. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellspring Lutheran Services, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Thomas J. Graf

April 16, 1918 - October 15, 2014