Carl Dean Graber

Carl Dean Graber, 92, of Lockridge passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 after a short stay at the Parkview Home in Wayland, Iowa.

 Carl was born on November 7, 1931, in Lockridge, the son of Bernard and Nellie (Hollander) Graber.  He graduated from Lockridge High School in 1949 as valedictorian of his class of twelve.  On Valentine’s Day in 1952 he asked his neighbor and sweetheart, Florence Stewart, to be his wife.  They were united in marriage at the Lockridge Baptist Church on May 31, 1952 and celebrated almost 72 years together on the family farm southwest of Lockridge.  To this union came four children, Kathryn, Daniel, David and Mary.

 Carl began his life-long journey of farming and agri-business as a young boy when he helped on the family farm and worked for his Uncle Carroll at Vorhies Implement Co., selling his first tractor at age fifteen.  In 1971 Carl and Florence created and owned Graber Services, an agri-business still serving a large area of the Midwest, as well as a custom forage harvesting business that is being operated by family today.   He truly enjoyed the many friendships that were developed with his customers, as he encouraged them with innovative farming methods and fair service.  He did not believe in being idle and always professed and searched for truth.

 Carl was a member of the National Guard from 1951 until 1961.  He was also a member of the Lockridge Baptist Church faithfully teaching his family to walk with Christ, his Lord and personal Savior.  Carl treasured time with his family whom he loved so much.  It was a joy to him to watch his children and grandchildren thrive in their endeavors, especially to keep the legacy of the family farm ongoing.

 Carl is survived by his wife, Florence, his children, Kathryn (Richard) Roos of Centerville, Daniel (Sonja) Graber of Lockridge, David (Marian) Graber of Lockridge and Mary (Dan) Sieren of Harper, 12 grandchildren, Jason (Jessica) Roos, Kristin (Kyle) Bundy, Aaron Graber, Sara Graber, Hannah Graber, Amos Graber, Anna Graber, Adam Graber, Abby Graber, Matthew (Suzanna) Sieren, Michaela (Guy) Schwartzkopf, Mitchell Sieren  and 6 great-grandchildren.

 Carl was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Harold Graber, sister-in-law, Grace Graber, a nephew, Paul Graber and his wife, Nohema.

 Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Lockridge Baptist Church, in Lockridge, Iowa with Rev. Earl Swigart officiating.  Burial will follow in the Lockridge Cemetery.  Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Monday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening.  Memorials may be directed to the Lockridge Baptist Church or to the Lockridge Cemetery in his memory.

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