Graber, Wilbert James (1916-2006)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2006 Apr 3 p. 11

Birth date: 1916 Dec 19

text of obituary:

WILBERT JAMES GRABER

Wilbert James “Jim” Graber, 89, died Feb. 14, 2006. He was born Dec. 19, 1916, to Jonathan and Louise (Miller) Graber in Turner County, S.D.

He grew up on the family farm. He attended Country School District #93 and graduated from Freeman Academy. During World War II, he spent almost four years working in Civilian Public Service camps in Nebraska as a conscientious objector. While in CPS, he was part of a traveling quartet that shared music in local churches.

He met Alice Rulla on a blind date. They were married on Nov. 4, 1945, in Sterling, Neb., in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Elva and Kenneth Damme. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in November 2005.

After he completed his CPS duty, they moved to Norway Township in 1946 and established their family farm. He enjoyed raising purebred Durocs, feeding cattle and playing first base for the North Pas at the church softball diamond. Deer hunting and pheasant hunting were favorite fall pastimes.

He was a lifelong member of Salem-Zion Mennonite Church of Freeman, where he sang in the men’s choir for more than 40 years. He served as a trustee, deacon, Sunday school superintendent and teacher. He served on the board of Mennonite Aid Society for 33 years, the Marion Coop elevator board for 18 years, NDC Home Missions Committee, Norway Township board, Turkey Ridge Watershed board and the local school board.

He was passionate about life and willing to take risks. He was deeply committed to the Mennonite church, Freeman Academy, Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite colleges. He was gregarious, had a marvelous sense of humor and enjoyed engaging with people and activities. Sports and music were always a part of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; two children, Sharon Waltner and her husband, Keith, of Parker, and Tim Graber and his wife, Carol, of Hurley; a brother, Pete Graber; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Marie, who died in infancy; two brothers, Silas and Waldo; and two sisters, Elsie and Claudia.

Services were held at Salem Zion Mennonite Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.