Erwin Erv Graft

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. He will be remembered as being practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Erv was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Erv knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community. Erv was born on June 4, 1928 at home in Jefferson Township near Echo Corner in Ossian, Indiana. His parents were Elmer (Doc) and Ella (Hoffman) Graft. Erv was raised on a farm in Jefferson Township in Ossian, Indiana. Even as a youngster, Erv learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in Jesus as his Savior and the dependability of God was something that he carried with him throughout his life. As a young boy, Erv was able to put his natural abilities to work. Erv was raised with five siblings. He had an older sister Aldine, an older brother Fred, two younger brothers, Dale and Wayne and one younger sister, Shirley. Erv had an inborn appreciation for the gift and blessing of family. Erv's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Erv enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Erv's memorable achievements included having perfect attendance for the school year 1941-1942. Erv’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. In high school, he was awarded a school letter in 1944. Erv was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. Those close to Erv came to expect his high standards of performance. He also was given a keen sense of fun and his “orneriness” led to many stories to tell in later years. An objective and conscientious individual, Erv reveled in the security of his family. On August 8, 1953 Erv exchanged wedding vows with Katherine Elizabeth Riebeling at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton, Indiana. They were blessed to share over 50 years of marriage. Following the death of Katherine in 2004, he remarried to Kathryn Bulmahn Bohnke on March 25, 2006 in Kokomo, Indiana at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. One of Erv’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important stories of every game played and each sporting venue. Erv was ever watchful of his children. He prayed for them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Erv would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Erv was gracious to include all in his large family and many saw him as the patriarch of the family. Erv was blessed with four children, three daughters, Constance, Lee Ann and Teresa and one son, Kim. They were also blessed with nineteen grandchildren, Jessica, Laura, Sara, Ashlee, Curtis, Nicholas, Brooke, Brianna, Derek, Matt, Korah, Teri, Chris, Matt, Mark, Jeff, Kim, Ashley and Joel and ten great grandchildren, Luca, Ava, Ayden, Hayden, Christopher, Joey, Kyle, Madison, Conner and Cooper. Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Erv was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. Erv was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Erv upheld his standards. His primary occupation was with Rea Magnet Wire and as a farmer. He was employed for 35 years by Rea Magnet Wire. Erv was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.” Erv was an Army veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was stationed in Japan from 1951 – 1953. He achieved the rank of Private First Class. Erv approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, "the walnuts", gardening - flowers and vegetables and "making popcorn". He also enjoyed playing cards and growing hundreds of cockscomb. Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Erv to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In his younger years, Erv played basketball and fast pitch softball in high school. Recreational sports included golf and fast pitch softball, becoming a local “legend” as pitcher. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf, college football and basketball and he always rooted for the "underdog". Faith was important to Erv. He was baptized on June 10 1928 at Bethlehem, Ossian. He was confirmed in the faith on May 24, 1942 by Rev. Arthur Keck. His confirmation verse was 2 Tim. 3:14. His favorite song has always been, “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”. He lived with the hope found in John 3:16 for his own eternal life. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, Indiana. During that time, he was a Trustee, Elder and played a part in taking the church service to the nursing home in Ossian. As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Erv could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Erv; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included numerous golf and softball awards including many Most Valuable Player and Sportsmanship Awards. When it came time to travel or take a vacation. Favorite vacations included going to Northern Indiana and Minnesota Lakes. When Erv’s retirement finally arrived in January 1, 1989, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to a new home in Ossian, Indiana in March 1993. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf, cards, traveling and spending time with friends and family. In many ways, Erv loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. Erv passed away on June 22, 2010 at home in Ossian, Indiana. Erv fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, his children Connie, LeeAnn, Kim and Teresa, step children, Dianne, Beth, Karen and Rick, two sisters Aldine and Shirley and three brothers, Wayne, Dale and Fred; twenty one grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Services were held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Erv was laid to rest in Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery in Ossian, Indiana. All who knew him would agree that Erv was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Erwin Graft did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.