Gerald William Graff Sr.

Gerald William Graff Sr. January 10, 1943 - April 28, 2024 Gerald “Gerry” Graff SR., 81, of Des Moines, IA, passed away surrounded by family on April 28, 2024, due to complications of a heart attack. Gerry was born on January 10, 1943, to William and Loretta (Matushek) Graff in Chicago, IL. Gerry was the first graduating class of Brother Rice High School in Chicago in 1960, he went on to study business at St. Josephs in Renesselaer, IN. After graduating with a degree in business, he started working at Standard Oil (AMOCO) Credit Card Center, kickstarting a 50-year career with the company. He also worked at Younkers Valley West, Duluth Trading Company and was currently employed at Kwik Star on NE 14th street. Gerry met Marie Frances Pawlak as teenagers when their families did business together and years later when Marie made the first step and called him, and the romance started. Gerry and Marie went on to have 5 children, Martha, Melinda, Gerald “GW”, Grant, and Geoffrey. Gerry and Marie moved from Chicago, IL to Des Moines, IA in 1974 when he was transferred here for work. Gerry was on the board for Dwarf Athletic Association of America (DAAA) as the Sport Technical Director for many years. He enjoyed traveling with his son GW to the National and World Games in the US and Europe. Gerry was also on the school boards for All Saints School and Dowling High School. Gerry was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Anderson (21), Gray (18), Roscoe (15), Ava (10), Lincoln (10), and Ryan (6), who were his world and they called him “G”. His grandchildren knew that when he came to visit, he would take them on an adventure to find donuts and there would always be ice cream. He enjoyed taking them fishing and teaching them golf, along with cheering them on at their sporting events either in person or online. As you know he was always proud of them all and loved to share with everyone their success in both their educations and sporting events. Being born and raised in Chicago, Gerry was a die hard, Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan. Throughout the years he was a season ticket holder for the Bears. Whenever he saw someone wearing his favorite teams he would stop and talk with them about the team. Gerry enjoyed meeting up with his former coworkers from Amoco for breakfast. He also could never pass up a good deal and cherished his treasures as much as he treasured his family and friends. Oh, the treasures we are finding now, like the invite he received for the request of his presence to attend and participate in the Inauguration of George Walker Bush in January 2001. Gerry was predeceased by parents William and Loretta (Matushek) Graff, in-laws Harry and Martha Pawlak, and son, Gerald “GW” Graff JR. He is survived by his loving wife Marie Frances (Pawlak) of 56 years, daughters Martha Wagner, Ankeny, IA, Melinda (Jeff) Dallaire, Leominster, MA, sons Grant (Dr. Lindsey) Graff, St. Charles, IL, Geoffrey (Barbara) Graff, Niles, IL, grandchildren Roscoe Wagner, Anderson and Gray Dallaire, Ava, Lincoln, and Ryan Graff. Brother Donald (Linda) Graff and their children Nicole, Melissa, and Samantha of Florida. Brother-in-law Jerome (Carol) Pawlak and their children Joe, Jennifer, and Jocelyn of Indiana. His beloved companion Wrigley. Celebration of Life will be held at Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston, IA on Saturday, June 29. Family will receive guest at 3pm and the Celebration of Life will start at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be put towards Gerald and Marie grandchildren’s education. Gerry was passionate about them furthering their education.