Everett D. Graves

Everett Duane Graves, 91, of La Crosse, Wis., died Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in St. Joseph’s Rehab center, La Crosse, Wis. He was born on March 13, 1921 in Westfield Township, Dodge County, Minnesota. He attended a year of High School in Hayfield and then transferred to Blooming Prairie where he graduated in 1940. He took flying lessons in High School and soloed at the age of 16.

He attended sheet metal school in Omaha, Neb., and worked for Bell Aircraft in Buffalo, New York. He joined the Civilian Pilots Training Program and enlisted in the US Army in 1942. He was an instructor in the Army Air Corps until he was discharged as first Lieutenant in 1945. He and his dad were charter members of the Minnesota Flying Farmers.

Everett married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Stolpman on January 12, 1950. Everett and Betty farmed in Hayfield for 43 years where Everett was an aerial crop sprayer and licensed aircraft mechanic.  Everett and Betty retired to La Crosse in 1993.

Everett lived a life helping others. Flying was his joy. Everett and Betty loved to dance and entertain friends and relatives. His children were always number one.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years; Elizabeth “Betty” of La Crosse, Wis., his daughter; Mary, and one son Kenneth (Cathy), granddaughter; Mary Jo (Matt), grandson; Robert (Susan), and great-grandchildren; Abbygail and Colton. He was proud to be the head of 4 generations of Graves. Everett is also survived by many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Marie, father Everett Sr., Stepmother Anna, son-in-law Michael and his daughter Joanne.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September, 26, 2012, in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska, Wis. Rev. Steven Kachel will officiate with burial to follow at a later date in Fairview Cemetery, Hayfield, Minn. Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass in the Church on Wednesday.

Memorials are preferred and can be made to the charity of choice.