07 Feb Larry Graf
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/
Ruth, Ivan and Sara, I’m so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. May God bring you comfort and peace in the coming days and weeks.
S
Ruth, Ivan, & Sara….we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ruthie, you and Larry always took the time to visit, call, and check up on Mom & Dad. I know your family held a special place in my Dad’s heart. In times such as this these are especially hard when one of our close loved ones passes. But our hope and joy knowing he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ helps us remember happiness and the ability to celebrate our loved one and life well-lived. Our prayers are with your family.
Ruth and family,
sending warm thoughts and prayers to all of you. Cherish all those good memories and know that love is forever ❤️❤️❤️
Denise
Larry was such a wonderful quiet man. Him and Ruth came to visit us in Hazen. Larry and my husband were involved in Hunter Safety Instructors together for many years. Ruth is my dear cousin. When my husband was afflicted with Parkinson’s and it became harder for him to communicate, Larry and Ruth just carried on and visited with him like it wasn’t hard. Larry made him a beautiful walking stick. Many will miss that wonderful man.
I first met 2010 Larry in 2010 at the VFW in Bismarck. I was the new Commander, new to the VFW and he was a trustee. Larry, provided me guidance to on how to make the Club successful. His dedication, talents of communication, and knowledge of how to get things done was a true inspiration for myself and all members on the managing board. Although, we did not always see eye to eye, he maintain his respectful demeanor. As I learned with time his opinion proved to be right. Larry, was a dedicated member of our VFW Combat Veteran’s Honor Guard. His dedication to service both when on active duty in Vietnam and as a Veteran was never in question. I ran into he and Ruth at Sams a little over a year ago. Wow! What a great couple. His humor and smile brought back fond memories and gave me shot in the arm I needed at the time! God Bless the family of Larry Graf. Thank you for sharing him with us! God has gained a true Soldier in the Angel ranks of Heaven.
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