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Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Tucker Graef Obituary

MY SWEET BOY. Tucker Graef, 14, was tragically whisked away from us into the arms of God on June 21, 2005. He was an outgoing, fun loving boy whose time with us was cut too short. Our Tucker has many friends and after talking to them and reading notes from them, it confirmed our suspicions that he was the class clown. He loved to make us laugh. The funny things that he did couldn't help but put a smile on your face. It was hard to discipline him without cracking a smile because he usually had a humorous twist to whatever he was getting into trouble for. And, as Uncle Bob would say, "I wish that I would have thought of that." Tucker was born October 10, 1990 in Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents George Graef and Lois Schultze; and his maternal grandfather, Raymond Groeger. He is survived by his parents, Van and Kathleen; and three brothers: Ty, Kane, and Mark. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Emily Groeger and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins. Tucker loved heavy metal music and was taking drum lessons hoping to play in a band some day. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and family. He enjoyed basketball, football and going fishing with Uncle Chip. Tucker also enjoyed hanging out with his dog, Buddy. Other favorite past times included going to King Scoopers "because the sunflower seeds were cheaper" and going to Seven Eleven for a Slurpee. We'll remember you well through many good memories but mostly you because you are our SWEETIE BOY. Visitation will be on Sunday, June 26, 2005 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive with memorial service to follow at 7:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 27, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church with luncheon to follow. The family would like to thank Dr. Cynthia Bennett, Dr. Glenn House, all of our friends in rehabilitation (many of whom have been with Kathleen 20 plus years) and transcription services at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital, Tucker's friends and their parents, family friends and neighbors, Timberview Middle School, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Search and Rescue, El Paso County Coroner's office, and LJM Photography. Memorial contributions can be made in Tucker's memory to Penrose Foundation on behalf on Tucker.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 25, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Tucker Graef

Not sure what to say?





Nicollette Achondo

July 15, 2005

Tucker was indeed the brightest kid i ever met and also the goofiest! He was at our house all the time! he was always so full of life and happy.He was so much like my brother they would always hangout with eachother. i remember one day we went to the movies with him and after it he was so exited to go into K-mart to get his mom a birthday present. We asked him would she want pottery,flowers,candles,or a cd?he said oh she really likes this person and he pointed out the cd but then he goes nope she already has that one.then right when we were gunna leave the store he pased a watch cart and we stopped he said thats it a watch my mom needs one of those!So my mom pitched in and he got it he was so exited to give it to her! He loved his family so much! Sincerly, Nicollette

Drusilla Sutherland

July 9, 2005

I am Beth's(Kathy's sister)sister-in law and my family want to send our thoughts to you at this tragic time. We,too, know and understand the pain you are going through. Gain strength through the love of your family and friends.

Linda (from the lab) Tolan

June 30, 2005

Kathy, my heart is aching for you and your family. I hope God blesses your attempt to prevent this from happening to anyone else. That is just the kind of person you are,trying to help someone else in the middle of your misery. My thoughts and prayers are with you. A fellow employee at Penrose.

Laura Achondo

June 28, 2005

I am the mother of Alex Achondo. Tucker was a close friend of the family. He would call the house so much asking for Alex. That when I would ask who was calling he would hesatate and say this is...Bob,yeah thats it Bob. So when ever I saw him I always called him Bob. He will always be remembered as a fun loving kid. We will miss him dearly.

We love you Tucker.

Stacey Klug

June 27, 2005

I last saw Tucker on Monday June 20, 2005. He came into my work with a group of his friends to shop around and check out all the musical instruments. I used to babysit Tucker when he was about 7 years old. Last time I saw his mom she had mentioned to me that Tucker was growing his hair out. When I saw him on Monday with his long hair, and how tall he was I remember thinking how grown up he looked. I had the privilege of knowing him as a young boy and getting to see him grow into a young man. He looked very happy and seemed to really enjoy spending time with his friends. I know that all the girls I work with know him and will remember him for being the kid who called his brother "brother". Everybody knew who he was. He is dearly loved and will be dearly missed.

karalee harwig

June 27, 2005

tucker was my first friend in timderview and kevin was my best friend and yea tucker made me smile when i was down one day i was so sad and he was whats wrong i was like nuthin he was all like really whats "nuthin" don't make me get this out of this and then he finally got it out of me so i will neverforget how nice and funny he was

Ryan Andrews

June 27, 2005

I loved Tucker Like a Brother.He was one of my few friends who I talked to outside of School. I remember when He came to my party and we stayed up all night watching movies eating Pizza and throwing up in my back yard. I want you all to know that you are in my prayers and I look forward to visiting you during the coming week.

Jeff Wagner

June 27, 2005

I went to school with Tucker and Kevin at Timberview M.S. in sixth and seventh grades. My family has moved since then, but my family and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.

Stephanie Petersen

June 27, 2005

I havent known Tucker for a long time but i vividly remember that he was always the class clown and this was back in 1st and 2nd grade. In 2nd grade we had a memory book and Tucker said he was going to be a Broncos football player, make $99.999 a day, have 90 butlers and 2 mansions. He said he wanted to be remembered as a funny person and a good artist. He will always be remembered in my heart as a funny person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.

Rhonda Sator

June 26, 2005

My dear, sweet cousins,



Our family has suffered an enormous loss. We are all stunned, and mourn with you. We will all feel a depth of sorry and loss in Tucker's absence that won't easily pass. I'm sending you a big hug and wish I could take your pain away.



Your loving cousin,

Rhonda

Alex Leatherman

June 26, 2005

Oh Tucker...-sighs- What can I say? So much has happened between us, and it's just so hard to believe you're gone. I know you're partying it up in heaven, so I'm not all that worried about you. I've already written you some letters, seven actually (=D), so I've already have my feelings out paper...and I'm not going to poor my heart out where every body can read it...Forgive me. But always know that I did and always will love you. <3

RUTH L PILAND

June 26, 2005

I, PERSONALLY NEVER GOT TO KNOW TUCKER, I DO KNOW HIS PARENTS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. MY HEART IS BREAKING FOR YOU. GOD WILL SEE YOU THRU.. SINCERELY

Amelia Martinez

June 26, 2005

I am so sad to hear about tucker. He always made me laugh during math and he always knew the right thing to say to cheer me up. He never took any thing for granted and always thought about other people. I will miss tucker so much and I am so dissapointed that he will not be able to make my high school years more enjoyable. My thoughts go out to all of his family and friends and I wish them the best.....

Andrea Bagley

June 26, 2005

I am so sad to hear about Tucker. He was the funniest person I have ever meet. I love tucker so much and he will always be in my heart. I am always praying for his famliy and friends and want to remind them that he is with god now and to be strong...

Naomi Bennett Niess

June 26, 2005

Kathy & Van,

Words cannot express my deep sadness in the loss of Tucker. Thinking of you and the boys in this tragic time of your lives. With sympathy, Naomi (Social Worker, Penrose)

John Beaubien

June 26, 2005

When I think of Tucker I think of a big smile and an infectious laugh. He always brought a smile to my face, Thanks Tucker

Marc & Kim Griffiths

June 26, 2005

To The Graef Family,



Tucker brought much happiness to those around him. I know he filled Ryan's heart with much joy and brought smiles to our faces often. We will miss him dearly and we want you all to know that our hearts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Jim & Debbi Bauer

June 25, 2005

Kathy and Van: Jim and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with in your time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Monica Jones

June 25, 2005

Dear Van,Kathy, and Ty,

I am so deeply sorry about the loss of Tucker. I have been praying for you and have enlisted many of my friends to do the same. I pray that God's supernatural love and peace surround you now and forever.

Love,

Your cousin Monica Meuret Jones

Shelli Beaubien

June 25, 2005

To the Graef family,

I have not seen Tucker in awhile, but what I will always remember about him is that he was ALWAYS smiling and laughing. For every tear that falls from your eyes, their will be a prayer in my heart for you. He made this world a better place and now heaven shines even brighter

Daniel Beaubien

June 25, 2005

Tucker was such a good friend of mine. One of my favorite memories of him was in social studies when he always did his Mr. Pepper impression. It still makes me laugh. I will never forget Tucker Ray Graef my friend.

Andrea Beaubien

June 25, 2005

I will always remeber Tucker as one of the most energetic kids i had ever met. He was good friends with my brother and whenever he came over he always brought a smile to my face with his crazy stories and hilarious jokes. He always was so proud to show me his "webbed toe." My prayers are with you.

Sandy Ziegler (RN Penrose)

June 25, 2005

Dear Kathy,

We were so sad to hear about Tucker and our deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to you and your family.

Gene & Sharon Winterfeld

June 25, 2005

We are grandparents to Rachel and Caitlin Winterfeld, friends of both boys. May our Lord cradle you in the palm of His hand during this difficult time. We are remembering you in our prayers.

Kylie Steffen

June 25, 2005

Tucker was an amazing person. I only got to know him for a little while but he impacted my life and he showed me how to be more open minded. He was an awesome friend. If I ever needed him for anything he was always there to make me laugh and put the smile back on my face. I'm gonna miss him a lot and I'm sure that we all will. We lost someone truly amazing.



A message to Tucker:

I wanted to write something to you incase you can see this and since I didn't get to say good-bye. I want you to know that I miss you and I will never forget you. I remember the first day I met you. Ever since that day we've had a lot of fun together. Like on my birthday when Alex Leatherman and I asked you to marry us. I also wanted to say thank-you. Most days you kept me going. You gave me some of the best advice I've ever recieved and you helped me meet someone truly amazing. I wanted you to know that you made a difference in my life. I'm glad I got to be a part of your life for awhile. Please watch over Alex Achondo, Reggie, the rest of your friends and your family, I know they miss you. I'm never going to forget about you and I hope you're happy where you are. I love you like a brother and miss you.



Sincerlly,

Kylie A. Steffen



P.S. May God brighten the lives of the Graef family. My prayers are with all of those who suffer this loss.

Kristi B.

June 25, 2005

Well I personally didn't know Tucker, but my little sister Rebecca went to school at Timberview with him. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss, according to what you wrote about him he sounded like a wonderful, happy and funny young man, and according to my sister Tucker was "extremely funny." My family's prayers are with you and with Tucker. May you all heal from this tragedy.

Jennifer Winterfeld

June 25, 2005

My daughters rode the bus every day with Tucker and he came by the house last week with a friend asking for Caitlin. I remember his big, friendly smile. I'm so sorry for your loss and pray God gives you strength through this time of sorrow. I've never met you but wanted you to know I'm a neighbor that is grieving with you and for you.

Paulette Reynolds

June 25, 2005

My heart goes out to the entire Graef and Groeger families and all of Tucker's many friends. Reading his beautiful tribute reflects a wonderful, fun loving boy. I will keep your families in my prayers daily.

Debra Colbertson

June 25, 2005

Van, Kathy & family,

You are all in my prayers at this most difficult time. May our Lord give you His peace and guidance.

Love you, Deb Colbertson

Christina Perez

June 25, 2005

Tucker, we all miss you so much! You are a great kid and the memories you have given all of us are always in our hearts. I don't think we ever knew what we had, until it was gone..Rock on in heaven..

Caroline Carter

June 25, 2005

My thoughts and prayers go out to you during your tragic loss. Please know that there are SO many of us in the Springs who hold your family and Tucker in our hearts and share your grief.

Deb Rocco

June 25, 2005

Kathy, Van and family:

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, DEB

Tom & Paulette Studards

June 25, 2005

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

nikki henry

June 25, 2005

I personally didn't know tucker that well, but everyone told me all year that he was funny and alot of fun to hang out with. I wish I had taken the time to know him better, but I do know he will be greatly missed....

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