Name: Vigil for John Richard "Jack" Graf
Start: 2022-03-20T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-03-21T02:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Anthony's Catholic Church

John Richard "Jack" Graf passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.Born in Woodland, CA, on April 30, 1930 to Charles and Hazel Graf, he graduated from Winters High School in 1948, where he was an active student and three-sport letterman. Jack attended Santa Clara University, majoring in Political Science. After graduating from Santa Clara University, he became a commissioned 1st Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Before leaving for service, Jack married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Marjorie Potter. Once he returned from service, he moved to Sacramento where he attended Sacramento State University to obtain his teaching credential, and he later earned his master's degree in Education at the University of Pacific.Jack was a coach at heart, and served others with great integrity, humanity, and dignity. In his professional life, he was devoted to education and the students, teachers and staff he served. He spent 39 years in public education, as a coach and administrator, culminating his career being elected for two terms as the Yolo County Superintendent of Schools.As a father, he was a loving force. A force of structure and stories, with a great knack for nicknames and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family and delighted in nothing more than traveling life with Marge, Youth Day celebrations, large family gatherings and attending various school and sporting events of his grandchildren.He loved the Winters community and is well regarded for his civic contributions and friendly disposition. For decades he delighted in working with others to bring about positive change for Winters. Jack served on the Planning Commission, Bond propositions for schools, St. Anthony's building committee, and was a 30-year member of Rotary. Additionally, Jack was an active member of the Yolo County Marine Corps Detachment League, Yolo County Democratic Club and was a Yolo County Surrogate representative for foster youth.He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hazel Graf; siblings, Charles 'Charlie' Graf, Bobby Graf; and his son, Peter Graf. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marge Graf; and his children and their spouses, Patty Anderson (Craig), Peggy Graf, Kathy Brian (Bob), Jody Graf, (Fran Gibson), and John Graf (Wendi); his 12 grandchildren and their spouses; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.A vigil will be held on Sunday, March 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Winters. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place on Monday, March 21 at 10 a.m., also at St. Anthony. The Celebration of Life Mass will be followed by interment at Winters Cemetery and a reception at St. Anthony's Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Yolo Hospice, Toys For Tots, or a charity of your choice.
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Published by Daily Democrat on Mar. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Graf

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7 Entries

WE love you -Big John & Deb

Planted Trees

Bonnie Mintun, Tim Hoban and Anna Hoban

March 24, 2022

We are sad to know that Jack has left us. At the same time, we are so glad we got to know him, Marge, Kathy, Peggy, Ryan and all of you. A true loving family.

Brenda Arteche

March 21, 2022

I only learned of Jack's passing today. I would have loved to have attended his celebration today.
I worked with Jack at the Yolo County Office of Education for many years. Jack was such a great individual, education, community servant and family man. It has been my honor to have known him. Rest in Peace Jack...until we meet again!
My deepest condolences to Marge and the entire family.

Gerry Flory

March 18, 2022

I´m so sorry. He and Alan can enjoy each other now. We pray for them. Jack was a great friend and wonderful person. He will be missed.

Steve & Michelle Cantelme

March 16, 2022

We were very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. At almost 92 years of age I´m sure he left you and your family with a lot of wonderful memories! He sounded like a man who lived a rich and full life.
Steve & Michelle

Stephanie Smyth Jackson

March 16, 2022

Once Upon a time - a man, Mr. Graf, a new Principal at Winter´s High School whose smile filled up the entire school office and happily seeped into the hallway outside, appeared for all "in house" at that time to behold. Mr. Graf, the man who brought his family to live in the town of his youth and who couldn´t possibly have known the breadth and depth of the positive influences they each would bring forth for the community and beyond. And, all of us, the beneficiaries of these gifts, how blessed we are. Mr. Graf, in whose presence a teenager could be alive with their unique gifts with no trace of self-consciousness because of his open heart and mind. Mr. Graf, the same man who later greeted those teens as young adults and then adults with respect and wonder; always curious about their lives. He taught us through his generous behavior and that grace will live on through all of us. What a man.

Mary Richardson (Washburn)

March 16, 2022

Marge, I am so sorry to read of Jack's passing. You may recall about 20 years ago my mother told me she'd read of the passing of the superintendent I'd worked for in Yolo County and I sent you a note of condolence. Lo and behold a few days later Jack called me!! I told him how I came to write the note to you and he told me it was George Childress who had passed! Jack and I, and eventually you, had a great laugh over that incident! Now I know that it is Jack who has passed and the world has lost a man of great worth to many people. I've always said that he was the one who started me on my career in public education, and for that I've always been grateful! Plus I'll always remember him for his wonderful sense of humor. He could turn anything into a joke and get everyone laughing. Love and prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow for you all.

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