On Dec. 2, 2023, Donald L. Graf, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Luck, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loved ones after a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease.
Don was born to Betty Proebstle on March 5, 1955, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the oldest of three. When he was 4 years old, Betty met and eventually married Ronald "Penny" Wilkins. Penny raised Don and his sisters as his own. Even after his divorce from Betty several years later, he continued raising Don and teaching him about life. He was Don's dad and best friend and that would never change.
In 1975, Don met Tammy at a McDonald's in Chicago and was enamored. It was love at first sight for him and he told his friend he was going to marry Tammy. Two years later they exchanged vows. After moving around the country for work, they bought a house in St. Paul, where they had two beautiful daughters, Tiffany and Briana. In 1989 they moved to Luck, where they purchased a bar/resort on Bone Lake.
Don was a very caring, driven, smart, strong, funny man. He was self-taught in many areas and went on to start and run many successful businesses with his wife including building restoration, Roto-Rooter, and a bar/resort. He loved to tinker in his workshop and figure out how things worked; he never stopped learning. He loved farming, fishing, playing pool, playing cribbage, watching YouTube, spending time with his wife and kids, and watching his grandkids grow. Family was everything for Don and he was fiercely protective of all of them.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Proebstle and Penny Wilkins; in-laws, Louis and Patricia Caple; brothers-in-law, Mark and Tim; niece, Christine (Bean); nephew, Eric; and his godmother and favorite aunt, Bev Goheen.
He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 46 years, Tammy; daughters, Tiffany (Nate) Steele and Briana (Joe) Zellmer; grandchildren, Derek (Caitlyn) Steele and Dylan Steele, and Tony, Abby and Aaliyah Zellmer; sister, Sue (Jason) Williams; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Don was loved by all who knew him. He may be gone too soon from this earth, but the impact he made on all of those around him will last forever!
Don will be cremated, per his wishes, by Rowe Funeral Home and laid to rest in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, TBD.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in
