Graber, Ryan Scott (1985-2009)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2009 Mar 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1985 Apr15

text of obituary:

RYAN SCOTT GRABER

Ryan Scott Graber, 23, of Hurley, S.D., and died Feb. 12, 2009, in a grain bin accident on his family farm. He was born April 15, 1985, to Calvin and Linda Graber of Hurley.

He was baptized May 19, 2002, and received into membership of Salem Mennonite Church of rural Freeman. His faith was nurtured by his family, his church and Swan Lake Christian Camp. He served as an usher at his church.

As a child he demonstrated exceptional aptitude in athletics and academics, especially mathematics. His cheerful and respectful demeanor made him a favorite among his family, teachers and coaches. His pleasant smile and unbending moral character allowed him to unknowingly serve as a role model.

He was a 12-year member of the Golden Rule/Rosefield Feeders 4-H Club of Turner County, where he won many awards, including Turner County 4-H King.

He played in two South Dakota Legion baseball tournaments for the Marion-Hurley teeners. He was an all-conference basketball player for the Hurley Bulldogs, and later played on a state champion slow-pitch softball team for Coca-Cola of Sioux Falls. He enjoyed golf, softball and independent basketball.

He graduated from Hurley High School in 2003 as valedictorian of his class. He graduated summa cum laude in 2007 from South Dakota State University with majors in ag business and ag economics.

He had begun a promising career on the family farm as, together with his father, uncle and grandparents, he was an integral part of Graber Jerseys Inc. of Parker and Hurley. He demonstrated outstanding animal husbandry, crop production and financial management skills. He was the sixth generation of his family to till the rich soils of Turner County, and the fifth generation to raise Registered Jersey cattle.

Survivors include his parents, Calvin and Linda Graber; three sisters, Tracy Petersen, Kayla Graber and Katelyn Graber, all of Hurley; his grandparents, Jerry and Rachel Graber of Parker and Robert Thompson of Hurley; a great-grandmother, Mayme Thompson; and his very special friend, Krista Evenson of Willow Lake. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Geraldine Thompson.