Cletus Lavern Graf

Cletus Graf, 86, Woodston, died Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Parkview Care Center in Osborne.

He was born June 19, 1933 in Hyacinth, the son of Sebastian and Bridget (Hammersmith) Graf. He attended Hyacinth Country School and worked on the family farm. After the death of his father in 1963, he and his mother moved to Woodston where Cletus continued to farm and raise cattle. His farm was his pride and joy. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton and a 57 year member of St. Thomas Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #7674. Cletus loved his family, was fun loving, a wonderful storyteller, and a great neighbor and friend. He had a heart of gold, was always concerned about others before himself and ready to help those in need.

Survivors include eight nephews; Paul Graf and wife Mary Ann of Woodston, Joe Graf and wife Janet of Woodston, Bob Graf and wife Linda of Alton, Jerry Graf and wife Frances of Abilene, Steve Graf and wife Liz of Downs, Dean Dreher and wife Agnes of Amarillo, TX, Dale Dreher and wife Carolyn of Wichita Falls, TX, and Val Dreher and wife Melissa of Russell, eight nieces; Sheila Melton and husband Sterling of Naper, NE, Mary Ferguson of Lansing, Rosetta Henry and husband Ken of Leavenworth, Sue Mckinzie of Lansing, Joyce Karlin and husband Mike of Hays, Diane Dinkel and husband Ron of Victoria, Laura Boxberger and husband Tim of Great Bend, and Wanda Hanzlicek and Husband Todd of Wilson, 55 great nephews and nieces, and 115 great-great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law; Delphinus and Cecilia Graf, sister and brother-in-law; Anna and Alex Dreher, three nephews; Don Dreher, Gilbert and Wayne Graf, two nieces; Cindy Soukup and Betty Westenberger, four great nephews; Jade Graf, Dakota, Hunter, and Landon Marek, and a great niece; Shelbe Alvis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 7:00 pm followed by a third degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to masses or St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. Condolences and memories of Cletus may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com