Christopher A. Graf, 85, died at his home Friday morning, April 17, with his children and grandchildren surrounding him. Chris was born August 8, 1929, on a farm in Mount Hope, WI to Paul Frederick Graf, and Cora (Alderson) Graf. Paul Frederick died in 1931. He graduated from Platteville High School, and earned his bachelor's degree and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Chris married Janet (Erickson) Graf in Bayfield, WI on December 29, 1954. Janet died 1999. He served in the US Army in Heidelberg, Germany from 1955 to 1957. After residency in Urology in Madison, he and Janet moved to Sheboygan where he established a private medical practice in 1961. He retired from practice in 1998. Chris had varied interests and passions including: Abstract art that led he and Janet on a path of discovery and to their creation of Woodlot Gallery; Adventurous activities that always kept him moving, including sailing, skiing, running, and cycling; Nutrition, with a plant based diet that he credited most for his long life; Spirituality, with a strong connection to God and the community of Sheboygan. Above all, Chris believed the most important thing a person can do in life is serve people. Chris is survived by his four children Eric (Pauline) Graf, Shakopee, MN; Tina Main, Neenah; Heidi Graf, Shakopee, MN; and Hans Graf, Sheboygan; 9 Grandchildren Benjamin Main, Honolulu, HA USN; Ian Main, Chicago, IL; Christopher "Kit" (Shanika) Helaku, Highland, IN; Suresh Graf, Joshi Graf, Eva Graf and Liam Graf, all of Shakopee, MN; and one great grandson Kavi Helaku. He is further survived by his sister Marjorie Rendall, Oak Creek; brother George Graf, Taylors, SC; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Janet, he was preceded in death by his sister Ruby. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25th at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 632 Ontario Ave, at 12 pm. Rev. James Hollister will officiate. Friends and family will gather at John Michael Kohler Arts Center on Friday from 4 pm until 7 pm and at St. Luke United Methodist Church from 10:30 am on Saturday until his service begins. The Olson Funeral home has been entrusted with Chrisopher's funeral arrangements A memorial fund has been established. His family extends their thanks to the staff at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, The Golden Living Center in Sheboygan, The Sharon Richardson Hospice Home, Medical Arts, Saint Nicholas Hospital, and to his friend and physician Dr. Vytas Kerpe for their loving care.
