Joseph W. Graf

Age 91, late of Manhattan, passed away on September 9, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Home with his loving family by his side.

Joe was born in Chicago on March 1, 1933. He was very proud of his German heritage and was a first generation German-American. He did not learn the English language until he entered school.

Joe was a proud Army veteran serving during the Korean War. He was employed by ADT for 44 years before retiring. Member of the IBEW Union. He also served as a police officer in Frankfort, IL from 1969 to 1982. He was a skilled "Mr. Fix It" handyman, having owned over 100 cars that he fixed and restored over the years. Joe enjoyed fishing and occasionally going to the shooting range with his kids.

Preceded in death by a son, Jeff Graf; an infant son, Donald Graf; a grandson, Eric D. Graf; a brother, Karl P. Graf and his parents, Karl and Dorthea (nee Reinlein) Graf.

Joe was a loving husband, dad and papa and he will be missed dearly by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Frances M. (nee Cusimano) Graf; his children, Dave Graf, Joe (Anna) Graf, Brian Graf, Lisa (Rey) Bravo and Nancy Tapella. His grandchildren, David (Brittany) Graf, Jaclyn (Steve) Boonstra, Elizabeth (Ben) Musclow, Melissa (Todd) Harsh, Brian A. Graf, Amanda (Nate) Huerta, Sarah View, Joe Crosetto, Nathan Tapella and Jake Tapella. His former son-in-law, Tom Tapella. His sister, Dorthea (late Ron) Smith. Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Joseph Graf will be held at the Forsythe-Gould Funeral Home with Richard J. Tapella, Funeral Director, 507 S. State St. Manhattan, IL 60442 on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow and be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan at 11:00 a.m.

Interment and Military Honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe's memory to the Illinois Veterans Home, 1 Veteran's Drive, Manteno, IL 60950 would be appreciated.

For information, please call (815) 478-3321 or visit Joe's memorial tribute page at www.forsythegouldfuneralhome.com