Gerald “Jerry/ Dr. Dirt” K. Graff, of Burlington, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born in La Crosse on Jan. 4, 1948, to Andrew and Agnes (nee Irvine) Graff. His early life was spent in the La Crosse area, Kenosha, and Powers Lake. He graduated with the class of ‘66 from Wilmot High School and received a Master’s Degree in teaching from Whitewater. Jerry was a teacher for 40 years, retiring from Burlington Area School District in 2010. He was also the Randall Town Chairman.
He married Sandy (nee Buchan) Luebbers on April 24, 1999, at Cross Lutheran Church. They lived in Burlington and spent many winters at their home in Hudson, Florida.
Jerry enjoyed many sports, especially Badgers football and Nascar. Some of his fondest memories were traveling and singing with Sandy in the car to visit family and friends. His favorite event each year was the Graff/Graham family reunion. He also enjoyed playing air guitar and singing his lessons to his students. He took pride in coaching boy’s basketball, which included Tony Romo. Jerry was loved by many for his humor and quick-wit. These were present until the end.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; children Neal (Susan) Graff, Michelle (Dave) Roller, and Tammy (Pat) Nannemann; grandchildren Kilee, Mikayla, and Andrew Robertson, Sydney and Jacob Roller, Jennifer, Jessica, Charlotte, and Bennett Graff, Ashley (Tony) Konetzke, and Cody (Shannon) Nannemann; and four great grandchildren. He is furthermore by his siblings Tom Graff, Paul Graff, Gary (Pat) Graham, Arlie (Kathie) Graham, Marge Rudd and Pam Andresen; brothers-in-law Henry Stewart and Dennis (Jeannie) Buchan; sisters-in-law Terri Graham, JoAnn (Bert) Lois, and Penny Koch; his godfather Bob Schuttenhelm; and many nieces and nephews whom loved him dearly.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; stepfathers Lawrence Graham and Everett Stankey; brothers Ray Graff, William Graff, Gale Graham, Arvid (Marge) Graham and Larry Graham; sisters Shirley (Conrad) Thurin and Joanne Stewart; sister-in-law Sally Graff; and his first wife and mother of his children, Ellen Meinke.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all family and friends who took time to visit, Pastor John Brink and Dr. Sapha Patel.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Feb. 17, 2024, at Integrity Celebrations Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, with an open house starting at 1 p.m. until closing remarks at 3:30 p.m.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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