Biography
Harold Graber passed away in Colville, WA on June 12, 2012 at the age of 101. He was born on December 1, 1910, the son of Henry & Rhoda (Wilson) Graber in Donnellson, Iowa.
Harold was raised on the family farm in Donnellson, Iowa. He attended and graduated from high school there. After high school, Harold attended welding school in East Peoria, Illinois and also worked for Caterpillar Tractor there until he was drafted into the Army in 1941. He served in the South Pacific during WWII until his discharge in 1945.
After serving in the Army, Harold moved to Manson, Iowa where he started his machine welding business. Later, he sold his business, and went into construction in Akin, South Carolina with BF Shaw Company. He moved Union Card 150 to 598 Pasco, WA where he worked for J.A. Jones in Hanford, WA until his retirement in June, 1976.
In 1982, Harold moved to Laurier, WA where he met Norma Jean from Portland, OR. The two were married on June 24, 1984. The couple relocated to Colville where they had a new home built and moved into it on March 3, 1992. Harold said being with Norma was the best years of his life. Harold enjoyed predator-trapping, hunting and fishing with friends in Montana, Alaska, and Canada. He had many friends, a few of which he wanted to mention. Rick Sphuler, a trapping buddy and one time neighbor who would help Harold and Norma around their home, they are very thankful for his help and friendship. Another long time friend, John Kepenga, his WWII companion during and after the war. They were able to talk to each other on the phone just before John’s passing last year, and Ed and Lynetta Huguenin, very special friends and neighbors.
Harold is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ed, George, Velma Slicker, Mayme Millmeyer, Bill and Ila Wallingford and his first wife Melba. He is survived by his wife, Norma, Colville, WA; Brother Dave (Lethia), Iowa; five step-children, Ben Kennedy (Ericka), Indiana; Paula Hanes, Spokane, WA; Richard (Rose) Kennedy , Portland, OR; many nieces, nephews; eleven grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren.
If one so wishes, memorial contributions may be given to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Facts
Born: December 1, 1910
Place of Birth: Donnellson, Iowa
Death: June 12, 2012
Place of Death: Colville, Washington
Occupation: Pipe Fitter/Welder
Hobbies: Hunting, Trapping, Outdoorsman
Donations
Memorial donations may be made to:
St. Jude Children's Hospital
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