John Ph. Graf
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see him with my own eyes—I and not another. How my heart yearns within me.” (Job 19:25-27)
John Philipp Graf, 69, died Friday, June 5, 2020, at his home in Galesville.
He was born October 22, 1950, to Philipp and Anna (Pfister) Graf, Swiss immigrants who lived near Hokah, MN. John grew up in rural Appleton and attended a one-room school through grade school. In 1968, he graduated from Hortonville High School and then graduated from UW–Stevens Point with a degree in Mass Communications in 1972.
Newspapering was his life career. He worked in all aspects of the business: reporter, writer, photographer, typesetter, proof-reader, graphic designer, publisher and owner. His was one of the first newspapers in the state to use computer desktop publishing. John was a Golden Member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
In 1982, he moved his family to his mother’s home village, Uetendorf, Switzerland. They lived there for three years while he worked in a shop building footlockers for the Swiss military.
On returning to the U.S. in 1985, he purchased the Galesville Republican, a weekly newspaper, and became the second longest publisher, owning the paper for 25 years. His passion was providing the Galesville, Ettrick and Trempealeau communities and school district with objective local news and information about events and activities.
He was actively involved in the Galesville Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as president several terms. John was a long-time Apple Affair Committee chairman, giving countless hours of service, making sure the community event ran efficiently. After retirement he served six years as Galesville’s mayor.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17). John was committed to his church, serving on various boards, and was involved in two men’s Bible studies, each continuing for over 20 years. His was an example of strong Christian faith and integrity. His personal faith in Jesus Christ was clearly evident. After being diagnosed with cancer he told everyone, “I’m going to heaven to be with Jesus for eternity. There is no down side.”
John will also be remembered for his quick wit and ready play-on-words, which kept people smiling or shaking their heads.
John married Lois Hoftiezer, May 5, 1979. He was extremely proud of their six children and encouraged them to have faith in Jesus Christ.
John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lois; children: Beth (Tony) Larson, Tim, Anna, and Caroline, of Le Mars, IA., Susanne Graf, of De Pere, Philipp (Meg) Graf, Henry and James, of Ticonderoga, NY., Martha (Sean) Stedwell and Calvin, of Bartlesville, OK., Lydia (Jordan) Gross and James, of Ellensburg, WA., and Markus (Emily) Graf, of Box Elder, SD.; siblings: Elizabeth (David) Hasler, Tom (LouAnn) Graf, Cathy (Alvin) Kohlhepp, Mark (Karen) Graf; siblings-in-law: Jeanne Hansen, John (Sally) Hoftiezer, and their families.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Mark Stauffacher, Berean Baptist Church, Saturday, June 20, at 1:00 p.m., at Coulee Life Church, N5761 County Rd. SN, Onalaska. Visitation will also be at Coulee Life Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, June 19, 2020.
Burial will be at Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville.
Memorials may be sent to Berean Baptist Church, N20601 U.S. Hwy. 53, Galesville, WI 54630.
