The family of Gene Graber, 97, announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
Some lives speak quietly; his is one such story.
Gene's story began in 1927, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Behind the medals and ribbons was a person — and that person mattered most.
Gene Graber, 97 of Marion, passed away on May 5, 2025 at the Tieszen Memorial Home, Marion. Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM Friday, May 9, 2025 at the First Church of God, Marion, with visitation beginning at 12:30 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.Gene Graber was born on August 28, 1927 in Yankton, SD to Art and Katherine Graber. In 1950 he married Jean and they were married 64 years until her death in 2014.Gene served in the Army during the Korean War as a dental technician. He worked for a while as an electrician and owned Gene's TV and Appliance. In 1969 Gene bought Bowlway Lanes and owned it for 45 years, where he made many lifelong friends.Gene and Jean had five children. He is survived by Margie (Paul) Luke of Marion, Scott (Nancy) Graber of Elizabeth, CO, Terry (Louise) Graber of Littleton, CO, Pam (Bruce) Dickinson of Sioux Falls, and Cheri (Larry) Martinez of Brighton, CO; six grandchildren Karri (Kevin) Wieman, Jeremy (Becky) Luke, Josh (Heather) Luke, Katie Graber, Brian (Melissa) Dickinson, and Matt Dickinson; 5 great-grandchildren Cody (Sara) Wieman, Kristen Wieman, Hadley Luke, Karley Luke, and Jasper Luke; and his sister Phyllis Kaufman; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.Gene was preceded in death by his parents Art and Katherine, wife Jean, and grandsons Christopher Graber and James Luke.
