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BORN
1966
DIED
2020
John Graf Obituary
John Brian Graf
John Brian Graf was born on August 30, 1966, in Billings, Montana. He graduated from Senior High School in 1984, obtained a degree in business administration from Montana State University in 1989. While at school he was a brother of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. John was self-driven, always went the extra mile, and worked his way through college.
After working in Seattle, John aimed to realize his goals of creating his own company. He studied court reporting in Minneapolis and Philadelphia before returning home to Billings, Montana, where he would run his court reporting business for 25 years.
John found many passions throughout his life. He had been a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan since he was a child, was a music-lover, which is evidenced by his collection of thousands of CDs, was a trivia whiz, and stayed a devoted-christian for his whole life.
John is survived by his parents, Paul Graf and Maylo Kinder; his aunts, Nancy Graf, Laurie Sticka (Dennis), Marilyn Caruso, and Marsha Goodman; and his sons, Hudson and Kye Graf.
John's gregariousness, levity, and ability to see the best in others allowed him to brighten up the lives of many people throughout the Billings community and beyond. He unexpectedly passed away on Oct. 15, 2020. Now he will surely be spreading laughter and happiness to those who have passed before him. Due to COVID-19, his funeral date is to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Graf
Colin Simpson
November 25, 2020
So shocked and sorry to hear about John's passing. The world lost a great spirit who truly cared about others and especially his sons and family.
Marilyn Speidel Hinkle
November 18, 2020
, Maylo I am so sorry you are in my prayers. I met John as he was a court reporter for us one time, he was very nice. Please know we are thinking of you.
Glenn Roache
October 30, 2020
Maylo, I´m so saddened to here of John´s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of John as a young man. His positive impact on so many people in his community is a joy to hear in this difficult time. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michelle Whitmarsh
October 26, 2020
I met John right after he started his Court Reporting business and he was my GO TO Court Reporter. He was a joy to know, always had a smile on his face and will be missed. May God bless you all.
Sarah Kennedy
October 26, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of John's scopists and truly loved working with him. He was a wonderful man and made even the most difficult days enjoyable. He will be missed.
Debi Davis
October 25, 2020
From the Davis’s across the street, so sorry for your loss.
Walter Runsabove
October 25, 2020
His Y basketball buddies always enjoyed him and I for one will always remember his lefty bank shot. "Dirk" as we called him was always ready to have fun with ball. I seen your name on the list the other day at #1 and I called out your name four times. Then we prayed and enjoyed a game of basketball in your memory.
I will never forget the time that a bunch of us "old guys" took on some college kids from western that were on the team at the time. They walked in and called "next" and then I turned and looked at you and you said..."let´s get these guys!" And we did with you hitting the game winner from the left wing and me hollering "window!"
You´re sure going to be missed John...aka "Dirk" I pray the creator bless your loving surviving family. You were a great man and I will never forget your kindness.
Sande and David Seibert friends of Laurie and Dennis
October 25, 2020
We are so sorry.
Jane Van Dyk
October 24, 2020
So sorry for the sudden loss of your dear John. We will sorely miss him at Mayflower Church. With deepest sympathy, Jane
Mario
October 23, 2020
YMCA noon hoops won't be the same with out you. You had one heck of a heart to keep on playing even after injury. I remember the last time we played. You had a sweet game my friend. Till we sign up top ten again.
Your fellow noon hooper,
Mario
Bill and Judy Harbrecht
October 23, 2020
Thinking of your family during this difficult time. We will surely miss seeing John at Mayflower. His presence will be missed by many in the community.
Suzanne Williams
October 23, 2020
My heart goes out to John's family and lifelong ftiends. I was fortunate to have found his name while looking for a job as a scopist. He continued my education while sending me work. I admired his patience and sense of humor. My husband and I attended several music concerts together in Missoula and Billings and always had fun. He had a good heart and a good sense of humor. We'll always remember him with fondness.
Barbara McLean Smith
October 23, 2020
Dear Maylo
I was saddened to see the death of your son John
you are surely in my prayers I remember John when he was a little kid you were always talking about him at work!
May you have lots of wonderful memories to fill that hole in your heart
Hugs
Barbara
Sheila Murphy
October 23, 2020
Dear Maylo, Marcia, and Marilyn,
I am so sorry for the loss of John- I remember what a good kid he was and I have no reason to think he ever changed.
This is not how things are supposed to go in our lives but nothing right now is normal. I will be keeping you all in my prayers.
Take care,
Sheila Murphy
Jackie Hill
October 22, 2020
Working for John taught me so much. I feel so blessed to have know him. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and all those who knew and loved him. He will definitely be missed.
Cindy Owen
October 22, 2020
To Maylo n her family,
May heart aches for the sudden loss of your son, John, father, Grandfather, uncle, and all! God bless, Cindy
Martin Lewis
October 22, 2020
John, you will be missed my brother. Many memories of our days at the Gamma Kappa chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha in Bozeman. My thoughts and prayers are with your sons.
Rene & Tammie Laya
October 22, 2020
Paul - we are shocked and sorry to hear of the passing of your son. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Olson
October 22, 2020
I knew John only a few short weeks but his smile was so beautiful. It was a window into his soul.
Yo and Allan Hutton
October 22, 2020
Dearest Maylo and Marsha
Our deepest condolences on the passing of John . We were shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of John, as Allan just spoke with him not more than a week ago.
Robert Hylton
October 22, 2020
Maylo , I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies are with you.
Linda Baker
October 22, 2020
Dear Paul and Family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you with the passing of John. So sorry Paul! He was so young. I know he will be missed. Love you! Linda
Mick and Connie Mennie
October 22, 2020
Dearest Maylo We are so sorry to hear of John´s passing. We just loved being around him and his infectious laugh. Too young! He will be missed.
Mark Kennedy
October 22, 2020
Always brought a smile to my face.
Lee and Beth Rindal
October 22, 2020
We knew John for over 20 years and he was a great man! We shared a few beers and laughs over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time!
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