Theodore Edward Graff
November 20, 1909 - June 3, 2006
Obituary
Theodore Edward Graff
November 20, 1909 – June 3, 2006
Theodore Edward Ted Graff passed away quietly at his residence in Federal Way, Washington on June 3, 2006. He was 96 years, 6 months, and 14 days old.
Ted was born on the family homestead in Harding County, South Dakota on November 20, 1909. His parents, Theobald Graff and Louise Martin, were descendants of Germanic settlers who had immigrated to South Russia in the early 1800s as the pioneer homesteaders on the Russian steppes. Theobald and Louise, along with their parents and siblings, subsequently emigrated from Russia to North Dakota in 1898 and 1902, respectively. Theobald and Louise married in 1903, established a homestead in South Dakota and, during the next 12 years, had eight children, two of whom died at or near childbirth. Ted, as the only son, was required to assume significant responsibilities in operating the homestead while still a young boy.
Ted married Alice Hattie Herrmann on September 17, 1933. They had two children and continued to live on the Graff family homestead until 1939. The family eventually moved to Grandview, Washington where they lived for the next 22 years. Ted found work as a carpenter and subsequently became a foreman and later a supervisor in various commercial construction projects throughout the Yakima Valley. Ted was also a small business owner, operating Ted’s Texaco Service Station in Grandview for two years. Throughout this time Ted was active in Union organizing activities, served as a Deacon in the Grandview Christian Church, and also volunteered as an assistant Scoutmaster. In 1965, Ted and Alice moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked in Facilities Maintenance at Boeing until mandatory retirement at age 65. Ted continued to work for the next 20 years as an independent contractor performing home renovations and repairs. He finally retired fully in 1996, and he and his wife then lived in retirement homes in Normandy Park and Federal Way, Washington.
Those of us fortunate enough to have known him vividly recall a quiet, shy, somewhat introverted, soft spoken man of tremendous physical strength and extraordinary personal integrity. He didn’t lie. He didn’t cheat. He didn’t steal. He was disappointed in those who did. He believed in a loving and forgiving Christian God. He never used profanity. He felt privileged to have been born in America. He was never too busy to help others be it replacing a roof, painting a house, fixing a flat tire, digging a cellar, or building a chest of drawers. He most enjoyed himself when playing cards and board games with his family and friends, or when working in his tool shed on one of his many personal projects. He was a caring and loving husband. He was a loving and supportive father. He was the best friend anyone could ever have. It was our privilege to have him as a part of our lives. We will miss him forever.
Ted is survived by his wife Alice, of 72 years, by his daughter, Mavis Tugby, of Seattle, and by his son, Dennis Graff, of Sacramento, California, ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren., along with Ted’s dear friends of many years, John and Diane Blickenstaff and Wally Dietrich.
A private memorial service will be held coincident to Mr. Graff’s internment at the Washington Memorial Park Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.