Alcide D. "Al" Grafe

Alcide D. "Al" Grafe, 85, of New Philadelphia danced his way to heaven on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Union Hospital.

He retired in 1975 from Empire Detroit Steel in Dover after 20 years of service.

Born June 16, 1925 in Dover he was a son of the late Dewey W. and Suzanne Barthlemey Grafe. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Grafe and sister, Elizabeth Good.

Al is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen L. James Grafe whom he married on March 1, 1952; daughters, Sue Kimble of New Philadelphia, Becky (Rusty) Pierce of Dover and Mary (Tim) Meiser of New Philadelphia; sons, Tom Grafe of Gnadenhutten and Jim (Kathy) Grafe of Massillon; sisters, Dorothy Struchen of Sharon, PA, Betty Robson of Delta, Utah and Arlette Donato of Dover; brother, Dewey R. (Sue) Grafe of Dover; 14 grandchildren, Amber, Missy, Tommy, Kellie, Korie, Jessie, Jimmy, Joey, Melissa, Jason, Mike, Adam, Andy and Alex; 27great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews who all share the fondest memories "on the farm".

Al was a member of the former Grant St. United Methodist Church, Dover VFW and the DAV. He also proudly served his country during WW II with the US Navy. Al and Helen enjoyed many years with dear friends Lois, and the late Don Kerr, fishing and camping at Leesville Lake. He was the life of every party and dearly loved by the "love of his life' Helen, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every child born in the family got the false teeth test, then they all tried to duplicate by pushing their teeth out. There wasn't anything that Al couldn't fix, whether it was tinkering in the garage, helping neighbors, friends, kids and grandchildren with any little task at hand. We will always cherish the memories.

A special thank you to the doctors nurses and nurses aids at Union Hospital for taking care of Al's final needs leading up to his death.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover with Rev. Hugh Berry officiating. Interment will be at the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends can call at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Al may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice at 201 West 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622 or to the Ronald McDonald House at One Krock Dr., Oak Brook, IL 60523

TOLAND-HERZIG, DOVER
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com