Werner H. Graf

1931 - 2023

Werner Herman Graf, 91, passed peacefully into the arms of Our Blessed Mother, Blessed St. Joseph and his blessed Guardian Angel on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, with family around him.

Werner was born on Sept. 14, 1931, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Fred C. Graf and Maria (Boenisch) Graf.

On June 28, 1958, Werner married his wife, Ann, in Hammonton, New Jersey. She was the wind beneath his wings and his partner in love, parenting, business and life's path. It was a union certainly blessed by Our Lord.

Werner graduated from St. Mary's (now Marquette) High School and the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of architecture, with additional studies in city planning and urban design. Werner continued his education by earning a pilot's license, a real estate broker's license and studied the art of appraising real estate, among other interests.

Werner served his country as a member of a naval fighter squadron based at the Naval Air Station in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In January 1969, Werner joined Laszlo Korbuly to form Korbuly-Graf Architects, Inc. in South Bend, Indiana. Later, they were joined by George Weber III. They remained in business for 30 years with notable work in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida and Nevada.

Werner served on the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission for 18 years, the majority as its president. He also helped found the Michigan City Historic Review Board.

Werner was an active member of Queen of All Saints Parish. When the original architect, Norbert Schaaf, was unable to continue, Werner worked with Father Michael Yadron to completely remodel the residence for nuns into a residence for the pastor and visiting priests. He also designed a new two-story library at the parish.

Werner had three wonderful children and is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Werner Graf II and Daniel Graf; and daughter, Marisa (Graf) Novak. His five amazing grandchildren – Connor, Duncan, Clare, Angelina and Alexandra – were the loves of his life. He was very, very proud.

Werner was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; Gunther, Willy, Fred Jr. "Fritz" and Norman. His beloved sister, Helga, lives in Michigan City. God love you all.

Werner will have a Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of All Saints at 11 a.m. on Feb. 4. A luncheon celebration will immediately follow at the St. Joseph Club, 2001 Franklin Ave. in Michigan City.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Dad's favorite charity, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls in Chicago: www.mercyhome.org. They do great work: https://donate. mercyhome.org.

The Root Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.