Gary Graf

Gary D. Graf, of Rice Lake and Shell Lake, passed away on July 17, 2010 at Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake. Gary was born on October 18, 1940 in Shell Lake to Frank, Sr. and Marion (Albee) Graf. He graduated from Shell Lake High School in 1958. Gary married Betty Duerr on September 14, 1963. Gary's career led him into supervisory positions in manufacturing taking him to Minnesota, Wyoming, and Tennesee. In 1979, he entered the food service industry for Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores in the Tennessee area. Pursuing his dream of owning his own business, he returned to Wisconsin in 1994 to purchase the Spooner Fish and Cheese Store. In late 1998, he was forced to retire due to ill health. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank, Sr and Marion Graf. Gary is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Mary (Bill) Murrin; Chrissy (Bruce) Gibbs; three grandchildren Alex, Aaron and Sarah Kay; his brothers Frank, Jr. (Carol), Wayne (Suzanne), and sister Barbara (Richard) Hammes. A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10:00-11:00 AM) at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Gormong officiating.