1917
2015
Russell F. Graefnitz, 97
Russell F. Graefnitz, 97, of West Lafayette, passed away at 1:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at St. Elizabeth East.
He was born August 27, 1917, in Lake Village, to the late Albert and Beulah Jackson Graefnitz.
After graduating from Battle Ground High School, Russ was a World War II US Navy Vet, stationed at Treasure Island, CA where he trained sailors on operation and repair of RADAR equipment.
Russ worked for many years at Duncan Electric in Lafayette as a Development Engineer before retiring in 1983. While at Duncan he received multiple patents for his work in product development.
Russell's first marriage was to Doris Melson in 1940, she passed away in 1989. He then married Pauline Lange Seymour in 1992, she passed away in 2014.
Russ was a member of First Christian Church, American Legion Post #11, and enjoyed dancing, and spending time at the lake house on Lake Freeman. Russ was an excellent piano player. In the 1930's, he played piano on his own program on WBAA. He played with several dance bands in the Lafayette area and in the early 1950's, Russ built a recording studio in his home where he recorded and produced records for local musicians under the 'RFG' label. In his mid 70's, Russ took up oil painting. One of his paintings won first place at the Indiana State Fair competition. He was also active as a leader in the Explorer Scout program.
Surviving are two sons, David (Joni) Graefnitz of Zionsville and Larry (Sherri) Graefnitz of Medina, OH, and a brother, Warren Graefnitz of Spencer. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren, twenty one great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son Terry Graefnitz, two sisters, Mary Vorpagel and Ruth Padgett, a daughter-in-law Christine Graefnitz. and a grandson Benjamin Graefnitz.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until the time of the service at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909 with Rev. Greg Eberhard officiating.
Burial will follow at Spring Vale Cemetery.
Those wishing may contribute in Russ's name to the First Christian Church, C/O Summer Camp Fund
329 N. 6th St., Lafayette, IN 47901.
You may sign the guest book or leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
These condolences come late, but I wanted to say how much I enjoyed visiting with Russ. He is missed.
Tom Covington
June 19, 2015
Russ and I played Dance jobs together in the mid 1960's I have a nice picture of him and me on a dance job. I really liked Russ. Sorry for your loss.
Duane Lods
May 26, 2015
Sorry for your loss, Larry.
Dawn M. Fairchild
Class of 1960
Dawn Fairchild
May 24, 2015
So sorry to hear of Uncle Russ's passing. I have such fond memories of spending time with Russ and Doris as I was growing up. He was a great Uncle!! I always loved his music and creativity.
Ellen Pyrek
May 23, 2015
So sorry of your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Russ, he was such a sharp and interesting man. Always working when he came to the lake house, never sit and enjoyed it, had to be working. I really miss seeing him over there. Good memories!!
Wanda Martin
May 23, 2015
Russ and Pauline sat next to Connie and I at concerts at the Long center. I remembered Pauline from the Courthouse. They were wonderful people and a joy to visit with. Condolences and prayers are sent for them.
Joseph Bumbleburg
May 23, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Russ will be missed. May God grant you peace and strength
chris and julie mizer
May 22, 2015
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Funeral services provided by:
Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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