07 Feb Larry Graf
Posted at 15:17h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Larry Douglas Graf, 80, Bismarck, formerly of Steele, ND, passed away at a Bismarck hospital surrounded by his family on February 5, 2024.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. The family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service.
Larry was born on November 23, 1943, in Medina, ND, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Martel) Graf. Larry graduated from Medina High School in 1961. He then attended the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. He spent one year of his service time in Vietnam. Larry lived in Colorado until moving back to North Dakota and went into partnership with Eddie, his brother, as co-owners of Eddie’s Body Shop in 1974.
On October 10, 1975, Larry married Ruth Eichele. Larry and Ruth had two children, Ivan and Sara. In 2018, Larry gained the title he was most proud of, Papa. Blake was the apple of his papa’s eye, and they made many memories together.
Larry was instrumental in starting the North Dakota Autobody Association along with Eddie in 1983. Larry served on the ND Autobody Association, City Council, Church Council, and taught Hunter Safety for several years. Larry was a member of the Dawson American Legion John Green Post 231 and the Bismarck Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1326 where he also served on the Honor Guard for a few years.
Larry had many hobbies. When he and Ruth moved to Bismarck, he started wood carving. He was a member of the Flickertail Woodcarvers.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Ivan; daughter, Sara (Mark); one grandson, Blake; sister, Carol (Roy) Poppe; brother, Eddie Graf; and several extended family.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen Graf; and numerous family members.
The service will be livestreamed by Faith Lutheran Church at https://www.faithbismarck.com/
