Ronald C. Grahf

Ronald C. Grahf, 78, passed away at his home in Rockford, IL on Monday, October 16, 2017 after battling with health issues for many years. He was born on March 3, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Dorothy (Wittry) and Chester Grahf.

He attended Louisa May Alcott Grammar School in Chicago and got his first job delivering newspapers, discovering at a very young age that the sales/service industry was his calling. He went on to high school at Waller High, where he met the love of his life, Joan K. Hilgart, and they were wed on March 8, 1957. They started a family together and he became a devoted father to their three beautiful children, Ron Jr. (Sandee) Grahf, Deborah (John) Glavin, and Keith (Kelly) Grahf. He was overjoyed to be blessed with eleven grandchildren, Nick, Danny, Caty, and Tommy (proud parents Ron Jr. and Sandee); Jenny (Jeff), Christina (Catie), and Nathan (proud parents Deb and John); Sy, Zach, Mary (Steven), and Joe (proud parents Keith and Sue); a great-granddaughter, Caytlynn (proud parents Jenny and Chris); a great-great-granddaughter, Brynleigh Jean (proud parents Caytlynn and Dylan); and he was so looking forward to another great-grandchild on the way, baby boy Hardt (excited parents Mary and Steven).

His other beloved family members include sister, Beverly Bartel; sister, Margie Arico and family; sister, Ruth Meier. Predeceased by his brothers, Tommy, Jimmy, and Bobby Grahf; and many loved nieces and nephews. Although he will be missed immensely, it is our wholehearted belief that Ron is finally at peace, reunited with his girls Debbie and Joan.

Ron loved working hard to support his family; he was an honest, charming salesman and a self-made, successful businessman. In his spare time he could be found enjoying the great outdoors in Canada with his buddies or at the family cabin in Wisconsin Dells, attending his grandkids’ sporting events, bird watching for cardinals, or reading any publication or book he could get his hands on. He also took great pride and joy in his green thumb by tending to his and his family's gardens. Ron was a warm, kind, loveable charismatic man whose presence could light up a room. His vast knowledge on nearly any topic could easily lead to a fascinating conversation with him for hours, and his heart of gold will forever be admired by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A graveside service will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 8616 W. State Rd., Winnebago, IL 61088 on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.

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