Alfred L. Graf

Alfred L. Graf age 91 of Hokah, MN and formerly of La Crescent died on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at Bethany St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, La Crosse. Al was born on April 14, 1929 to Charles and Bernice (Enos) Graf in Brownsville, MN.

On May 9, 1953 Al married Jeanette Merrell at Holy Trinity Catholic Church; celebrating 67 years of marriage in 2020. They have three children: Jim (Kris) doctor of Anesthesiology, Greg (Elizabeth) Chemist, Jane (Foltz) Teacher. They have five grandchildren: Mallory (Jerod) Nelson, Whitney Graf, Maxwell Graf, Alex Graf (and fiancé Hailey Gamroth), and Jackson Foltz; five step-grandchildren: Audrey (Jason) Paukner, Nick (Shasta) Bind, Nick (Cara) Harring, Ben (KayCee) Harring, and Alyssa (Nick) Arenz; and 3 great grandchildren: Clara and Ivan Nelson and Nicholas Harring.

Al was preceded in death by his parents Bernice and Charles Senior, brothers Raymond, Everett, Vincent, and Charles; sisters Marlene Gittens, Theresa Devine, and Verna Quillen.

Al graduated in 1947 from Aquinas High School, then commenced a 6 year apprenticeship at the La Crosse Tribune in typesetting until he was inducted into the Army in 1957. After completing his time in the service he continued his employment at the La Crosse Tribune until retiring after 44 years.

His love of country air and green fields prompted Al and Jeanette to move to the country near his log cabin, not far from his birthplace. Al lived each day to the fullest. He was a “Jack of all trades” and didn’t quit until the job was done. One could not know Al without experiencing his avid interest in sports, especially the Milwaukee Brewers and ‘coaching’ the Green Bay Packers.

Al volunteered at Meals on Wheels, at church, and Knights of Columbus events throughout the years, in addition to helping family and others, always. Al was First Grand Knight of Chapter 5115 Knights of Columbus in 1960. He served as District Deputy in Minnesota for eight years and was accepted into the Fourth Degree of Knights of Columbus in 1974. In La Crescent, Al was a lifetime member of Gittens Leidel American Legion Post 595. His greatest acclamation was assistance to all priests at St. Patrick’s in Brownsville, especially helpfulness weekly to Monsignor James McCauley, “serving mass.”. Al openly professed his trust and love of God, carrying his rosary in his pocket daily.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brownsville, MN. The Reverend John L. Evans II will officiate with Deacon Robert Yerhot assisting, Monsignor James McCauley and Reverend Gregory Leif in attendance.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be no visitation, only immediate family will be in attendance. Thank you for your understanding and compliance. The funeral mass will be livestreamed on St. Patrick’s Facebook page. The Blaschke and Schneider Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials should be extended to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brownsville, MN 55919, the Hermits of St Mary of Carmel, 3300 5 Stinson Ridge Road, Houston, MN 55943, or a charity of your choice.