Graber, Ralph (1927-2002)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2002 June 19 p. 2

Birth date: 1927 Aug 31

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2002 Jul 15 p. 8

text of obituary:

RALPH GRABER

Ralph Graber, 74, of Goessel, Kan., died June 17, 2002. He was born Aug. 31, 1927, to Peter and Frances Kaufman Graber in rural Freeman, S.D.

He graduated from Freeman Academy, Freeman Junior College, Bethel College of North Newton, Kan., and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary of Elkhart, Ind.

He was baptized on Oct. 31, 1943, to Salem-Zion Mennonite Church in Freeman. He was a member of Eden Mennonite Church of Moundridge, Kan.

He served Bethel Mennonite Church of Marion, S.D., from 1955 to 1963 while also farming. He was ordained to the Christian ministry on Aug. 11, 1957. He did interim pastorates at the Presbyterian church in Marion and at Salem Mennonite Church in Freeman. From 1974 to 1977 he served Bethel Mennonite Church in Fortuna, Mo. He also had interim pastorates at Bethel Mennonite of Hydro, Okla., Peace Mennonite of Fort Worth, Texas, First Mennonite of Hutchinson, Kan., and West Zion of Moundridge.

He married Mary Nachtigall on Aug. 29, 1953, at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church.

He was devoted to the youth of the church and community. He was chair of the Swan Lake Christian Camp Committee and the North District Conference Peace Committee. He also assisted in Christian education through Freeman Academy and Junior College.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; children and spouses, Douglas and Nancy, Donovan and Jill, Warren and Lisbeth, Joan and Darrell, Corbin and Tonya, and Anita; a brother, Floyd; a sister, Marge; and 16 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Blanche.