Robert E. Graef

Robert E. Graef, age 85, of Dover passed away December 9 at Canton Mercy Hospital after a one-month battle with pneumonia. He was born July 18, 1917 in Dover and was a son of the late Walter C. “Pappy” and Goldie Mae (Wertman) Graef.

He was a life-long resident of Dover, graduating from Dover High School in 1935. He was a member of Saint Johns United Church of Christ, a life member of the Dover Elks and Dover Senior Citizens where he was a past Tour Director. He was a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (formerly National Association of Accountants) where he was a charter member of the Canton Chapter and held various officer positions. Mr. Graef retired from Republic Steel in Massillon in 1982 where he was an accountant for 31 years. Prior to that he was employed by Marlite in Dover.

Mr. Graef served in the 987th Field Artillery Division of the US Army from 1941 through 1945 and served during World War II participating in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged with the rank of First Sergeant. During his military service he received 5 battle stars, a bronze star and good conduct medal.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and square dancing, Christmas decorating and dining out with the Gourmet Club, which consisted of a group of couples from Canton, Massillon and Navarre.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rose Marie (Petricola), whom he married February 16, 1946, two sons �" Steve (and Barb) Graef of Dover and Eric (and Laura) Graef of Mentor, 4 grandchildren �" Stephanie Graef of Massillon and Erica, Dustin and Mandy Graef, all of Mentor, two brothers �" Dale (and Mary) Graef of North Canton and Jim (and Jackie) Graef of Dover.

Funeral services will be held Friday December 13 at 1:30 PM in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover with Rev. Steve Daniels officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends may call at the Funeral Home Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Elks services will be Thursday at 5:45 PM. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Robert may sign the on-line register book by visiting the “on-line obituaries link” on the website at www.tolandherzig.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St Johns United Church of Christ, 409 N. Wooster Ave, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Toland-Herzig
Dover
330 343-6132