James “Jim” Roy Graf, 78, of Almena passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

He was born November 1, 1944 in Shell Lake, WI to George Richard and Lucy Irene (Wadby) Graf.

Born in Shell Lake and raised on a dairy farm in Timberland, Jim was quite proud of his Catholic upbringing and German heritage. The start to his life as a devout Catholic began when he was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shell Lake as an infant. In his early years he attended Bashaw and Timberland schools, and then would attend middle and high school at Shell Lake, where he graduated in 1962.

Jim held many titles throughout his adult life, from carnival worker and truck driver to CNC machinist, custodian, and many things in between. This journey eventually brought him to Kansas, where he would meet Nancy Wiens. He even went back to college during their time together to further his knowledge, which he truly enjoyed - obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications in 1999.

Jim and Nancy would marry on December 28, 2000, and together work their way back to Wisconsin. They would settle in Almena, living in Jim's great-grandfathers house, which he was very proud of.

Jim's passions stayed true throughout life. He achieved the 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, loved all things German (especially Polka music), and was an avid outdoorsman while his sight allowed - regularly hunting, fishing, and even making maple syrup. He also cared deeply for his flowers, and watching sports.

He is survived by wife, of 22 years, Nancy; son, Corey (Cynthia) Graf, daughter, Monica Graf; grandchildren, Dustin Graf, Joseph Graf, Lucas Graf, Joshua Thornwall, Nathan Thornwall, Alaura Schneider; great-grandchildren, Sean, Sterling, Zander, Otto, Obadiah, Jace, Solomon, Elyse; siblings, Joan (Melvin) Diesterhaft, Glen (Karen) Graf; stepson, Bruce Bergeson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

Jim is preceded in death by parents, George and Irene; siblings, Jack, Marie and Dick. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at The Church of the Sacred Heart, Almena with Fr. Tom Thompson officiating. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery. Pallbearers are Travis Gibson, Brian Diesterhaft, Brent Diesterhaft, Lucas Graf, Joseph Graf and Josh Thornwall. Honorary pallbearer is Arnie Stoeberl. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 5 - 8 PM at Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland and one hour prior to the service at church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland is serving the family.

Last Update: Feb 14, 2023 1:42 pm CST