Gerald K. (Jerry/ Dr. Dirt) Graff

Gerald “Jerry/ Dr. Dirt” K. Graff, of Burlington, passed away Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on January 4th, 1948, to Andrew and Agnes (Nee: Irvine) Graff. Jerry’s early life was spent in the La Crosse area, Kenosha, and Powers Lake. Jerry graduated class of ‘66 graduate 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 Luebbers (Nee: Buchan), on April 24th, 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 that was present till the end.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, children Neal (Susan) Graff; Michelle (Dave) Roller; 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, brother-in-laws Henry Stewart and Dennis (Jeannie) Buchan, and sister-in-laws Terri Graham; JoAnn (Bert) Lois; and Penny Koch. Jerry is also survived by 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; Larry Graham; and sisters Shirley (Conrad) Thurin and Joanne Stewart, also his sister-in-law Sally Graff. Jerry is also preceded by 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 February 17th, 2024, at Integrity Celebrations Center, (2789 Browns Lake Dr. Burlington, WI 53105), with an open house starting at 1pm until closing remarks at 3:30pm.

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