Rodney Herbert Graff

He graduated from Austin High School in 1972. Growing up in farm country, Rod loved John Deere tractors.

He married his wife, Patricia Schwab, on Valentine’s Day in 1981. He was a dedicated husband and truly loved and adored his wife. They raised two sons, Ryan Joseph and Randy John, who he was very proud of. While raising his family, Rod worked for Aspen Agency, Lee F. Murphy, and St. Croix Valley Agencies as an insurance agent. Shortly after his wife, Pat, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Rod got a job at Park ‘N Go at the airport driving shuttles and then transitioned into a dispatcher. He really enjoyed this job because it connected him with people from all over and even some high profile customers that he he would exchange in conversations with.

Rod loved sports and was an avid Minnesota Gopher fan. You would rarely see him without a piece of clothing with a Gopher logo on it. He would very rarely miss a game or a practice of his sons.

Rod was a fun-loving prankster with a great sense of humor. He was known for creating thoughtful nicknames that would last for decades. He was a kind, genuine man who is described by anyone who has met him as “a very nice guy”, just like George Bailey, the main character in his favorite movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Rod kept tabs on all of his friends and family on social media and was always interested in the sporting events or activities their children were involved in.

Rod was a true patriot who loved his country. As a child, he would travel with his parents to visit the men his father served in WWII with. He was extremely proud to be an American and flew his American flag daily. He loved his family, but also his extended family. He would call his sister daily to check on her, her children and her grandchildren. He would call her during her favorite tv show, just to joke with her. Rod was loved and adored by his family and will be greatly missed by all.

Preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Mona; sisters, Marcia and Judy Arthun.

Will be greatly missed by wife of 42 years, Patricia; sons, Ryan and Randy; granddaughter, Taylor; many nieces, nephews and good friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 5 - 8 pm at Wulff Funeral Home - Woodbury, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 28 at 10:30 am with visitation starting at 9:30 am at Church of St. Pascal Baylon, 1757 Conway St, St Paul, MN 55106. Inurnment in Elmhurst Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WulffWoodburyFuneralHome.com for the Graff family.