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Anne De Graaf Obituary
Dr. Anne Fenton De Graaf
ST. JOHN, IN - Dr. Anne Fenton De Graaf, age 66, of St. John, IN, formerly of Highland, IN, passed away suddenly onThursday, December 23, 2021.
She is survived by her late husband's siblings: Larry (Rita) DeGraaf of Alabama, Donna (Ron) DeGraaf-Smith of Gary, and Barbara (Jerry) DeGraaf-Mithen; sister-in-law, Karen (late Ken) DeGraaf of Griffith; nieces: Catherine DeGraaf of Colorado, Rebecca (Paul) Nawrot of Illinois, Kendall and Skylar DeGraaf of Alabama; nephews: Jeff (Sinead) DeGraaf of Texas and Wayne (Gloria) DeGraaf of Valparaiso; grandnieces and nephews: Tristan Cain of Colorado, Ashling DeGraaf of Texas, Leah and Jake Nawrot of Illinois, and Riley, Brielle and Blake DeGraaf of Valparaiso; and cousins: Glen Ransom, Terri-Jane (Dan) Stapleton and Jackson Freeman of Ontario, Canada. Also surviving is Anne's life partner, Rick Wilkerson; and Rick's daughters: Laura and Christie. Anne was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 39 years, James DeGraaf; parents: Herbert and Josephine Fenton; and brothers: Harold Fenton and Herbert E. Fenton; and brother-in-law, Ken DeGraaf.
Anne graduated from Lake Central High School in 1972. Anne was an active 4-H member in her youth and was named Outstanding Indiana Teenager of 1973 by Governor Otis Bowen. Anne was a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and a practicing veterinarian for 40 years. She worked at several animal hospitals, most recently Dyer Animal Clinic and Highland Animal Hospital. She had a special relationship with pets and pet owners, and devoted her life to being the best veterinarian she could be. Anne was a passionate German Shepherd owner and was proud to be involved in agility training with her own dogs, as well as local police departments' K9 units.
Anne was a multi-faceted gem who enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, Star Trek, travel and music. She so often said that "playing in the yard" was one of her favorite things to do. She was a devoted fan of The Rolling Stones, who she saw perform live many times starting in 1972 and including the band's final 2021 US show in Seminole, Florida. Anne's life exemplified love and caring. Her philanthropic work with numerous animal organizations will not be forgotten. Anne was a warm hug, a listening ear, a beloved family member, and a friend to many. She made the world a better place just by being in it.
There will be a Memorial Visitation for Anne on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the SCHROEDER-LAUER FUNERAL HOME, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL with a brief service at 4:30 PM. Memorial donations may be made in Anne's name to the Indiana 4-H Foundation and The Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands in Newton County Indiana.
"Faith has been broken,
Tears must be cried,
Let's do some living after we die
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, Wild horses, we'll ride them some day"
The Rolling Stones
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anne De Graaf
6 Entries
J. Schulte
September 24, 2023
Dr. De Graaf was an incredible human. Performing emergency surgery on our beloved, once in a lifetime dog, Shaggy, she saved his life when everyone else said it couldn't be done. Dr. De Graaf was talented beyond talent, deeply compassionate, and a gift to all who knew her, and even those who didn't. What a privilege it was to have her as my long time veterinarian. My sincere condolences to all of her people and her pet family. A beautiful light in this world, she will be sincerely missed. May she rest in peace.
Carla J Dahn
February 14, 2023
You became my Vet after I moved up this way. Had to bring my baby off the farm, needed a Vet. Highly recommended by my neighbor who worked with you.
You had been my Vet ever since, with all my babies. You had been through the good and the bad with me and my babies. My Chi'-na girl liked you so much she didn't want to leave after the Vet appointment, she always would try to follow you instead of going home.
You were the best Vet I had; it has not been easy to find one like you. You were very informative when it came to my babies, and I loved that about you.
I was able to connect with you later on LinkedIn if even for a short time before you passed. I hope it meant as much to you as it did for me for that short time.
RIP my friend for you made a great impression on me and my many fur babies. You will be greatly missed and please say hello to my fur babies that have gone to the rainbow bridge. I know you will look after them for me.
Tim&Pam Stan
May 6, 2022
My neighbor was Jim your husband, we grew up together as kids, we got motorcycles and road around together. I will always remember the great parties at your house, and the fun times and the hot rod cars. RIP Anne love Tim&Pam
Bob & Chris Huffman
April 2, 2022
You got us through so many difficult times with our pets...for over 30 years. Your care and love will never be forgotten. You must have had the most wonderful greeting at the Rainbow Bridge. Rest in peace Dr, DeGraaf.
Michele Wasserman
March 31, 2022
Such a gentle sweet soul! We´ll miss you looking after our fur babies. May you rest in eternal peace.
Bob and Annette Edge
March 29, 2022
Our sincere condolences to the family of Dr.Anne. Heaven surely got another angel!. Dr. Anne took care of our pets at Dyer Animal Clinic. She will be missed by all.
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