Russell “Russ” H. Graf

Entered God’s loving arms on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, age 83. Loving husband of Joyce for 59 years. Admired dad of Linda (Mark) Stempel, Sandy (fiancé Chuck McCadden), and Doug (Melissa) Graf. Proud grandpa of Andrew (Maddy), Elizabeth, Callan, Kasey, Katie, Jay, Erika, and special dog, Max.

Russ grew up in Milwaukee with his mom, Esther and two younger sisters Joanne and Marilyn.  His father Walter passed away when he was a teenager.   Russ worked hard to put himself through college.  He also went to night school where he earned a MS in Mechanical Engineering in 1968 from Marquette University and a State of Wisconsin, Professional Engineers license in 1970.

Upon graduation, he took a job at AC Sparkplug Division of GM, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Through the years he held management positions in Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing at the following companies:

• General Motors. . . gyros, and accelerometers for missile guidance systems and Apollo
• General Electric. . . medical systems, industrial x-ray equipment
• Allis Chalmers. . .cement and mining equipment
• Eaton. . .eddy current motors, machine control systems
• Twin Disc. . . military, truck, and marine transmissions

Russ married Joyce Gaul in 1960 (they celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary in 2019).

They built a duplex in Milwaukee in 1963 and lived in the same house for the past forty-seven years.  Russ was the admired Dad of Linda (Mark), Sandy (Finance Chuck) and Doug (Melissa).  Proud Grandpa of Andrew (Maddy), Elizabeth, Callan, Kasey, Katie, Jay and Erika.

Russ, Joyce and their (3) children enjoyed years of camping in Peninsula State Park in Door County.  After years of camping Russ and Joyce decided to design a vacation home that was built in 1978 where he enjoyed years of family and friend get togethers, planting trees and water activities.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7821 West Lincoln Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, 11:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.