Russell Andrew Graff
March 23, 1955 - June 29, 2019
Obituary
MADISON - Russell A. Graff, age 64, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on March 23, 1955, in Manitowoc, the son of Daniel and Marion (Kaplin) Graff. Russell married Dale McAllister on Sept. 6, 1997, at Temple Beth El in Madison.
Russell enjoyed working for the State of Wisconsin for 20 years before having to retire due to his health. He had a big heart and warm personality that drew everyone in. Russell was a favorite uncle to all of his nieces and nephews, and later his great-nieces and nephews. He had a way of remembering their favorite treats and loved Christmas. Russell made sure each child got their own special box of their favorites.
Russell loved people and enjoyed any opportunity to socialize at work or personally. He enjoyed his animals, especially his cats, who kept his spirits up at home. Russell and Dale enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage.
Russell is survived by his wife, Dale; two sisters, Leah (David) Graff and Annie (Richard) Banks; brother-in-law, Robert (Linda) McAllister; two nieces, Barbara Meister and Pamela McAllister; two nephews, Daniel Banks and Adam Banks; great-niece, Isabella Balaine; and three great-nephews, Jaxon Winneshiek, Brayden Meister and Auston Cano. He was preceded in death by his parents; and uncle, Herbert Graff.
A graveside service will be held at PRAIRIE MOUND CEMETERY, Oregon, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday July 19, 2019, with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch presiding. A luncheon will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.org/donate. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
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Memories
LR
Lori (Benishek) Roberts
Other •
So sorry to learn of Russell's passing. May the Holy Spirit especially comfort the family.
As kids in school decades ago, we lived in the same neighborhood, road the same school buses, etc.. With Russell’s life-long diabetic challenge, he continues to teach us how to live in the present… to cherish our friends & family, to serve, to protect, to hold high honesty & good works. May his life well lived before the face of God inspire each of us daily.
TC
Terry Chappell
Other •
I got to know Rusty when my Mom came to Ingleside for her end of life care. He was always cheerful and positive no matter the circumstances of his care, etc. We enjoyed playing Chess and Dirty Clubs while discussing the days' news and events.
My condolences to Rusty's wife and family. He will definitely be missed.
JD
Julee Dowling
Other •
So sorry Dale for the loss of your husband. It is very hard loosing someone so special to your heart. I can't make any of the services but I will be thinking about you...When life settles down we will have to get together . Julee Dowling
KL
Kathy Larson
Other •
So sorry to see Russell's obituary in the paper. I almost missed it because I didn't know your husband's name. I will be thinking about you and your family. I hope things will be less complicated for you now. We are at the farm now so feel free to stop in if you are in the area. condolences, Kathy and Mark Larson
MM
Marc Manis
Other •
Harriet and I extend our condolences to Russell Graff. He was one of a kind, and I’ll miss him. May He Rest In Peace, and let us say, “Amen.”
MS
Michael Sigman
Other •
Cousin Rusty & I shared a significant interest in .027 gauge Lionel trains - in both our homes. (His house had a basement but ours didn't.) We both pursued interests in music, though. He played trumpet, something I (a string player) could never really understand. Russ tried showing me several times - how to make sounds with his horn but I couldn't get it. MOST important was the gift of what he taught me about how his diabetes required self-injection - an unbelievable "gift" of practical attitude I learned from him. When my MS necessitated a similar approach decades later, I found his "gift" applied to my own situation - a healthy experience I share with others (when appropriate, to their benefit).