Kenneth Allan Graap, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Aspirus Hospice House with his family by his side. Kenny was born in the Town of Corning, Wisconsin on August 25, 1936 to the late Charles and Dorothy (Mittag) Graap. On December 22, 1956, Kenny married Carolyn Ann Plautz at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. She preceded him in death on November 17, 2020. Kenny proudly served in the Army Reserve and was called into active duty during the Berlin Crisis and was stationed at Fort Lewis Army Base in Tacoma, Washington. For 20 years, Kenny owned and operated GW Incorporated. He was also a gifted craftsman who built furniture and cabinets as well as finishing the inside of both family homes. He enjoyed deer and bear hunting, target shooting and traveling to their Arizona home in the winter. He enjoyed having coffee with his Tuesday/Thursday men's coffee group and dinners out with friends. Kenny loved people. He adored kids, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had full-size candy bars and dollar bills for the kiddos when they visited with grandpa. Kenny loved Carolyn and his children dearly. Kenny was a very kind, generous, and social man who will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Kenny is survived by his children: Russel (Tammy) Graap, Dawn (Dennis) Gourlie, Rick (Sheila) Graap, and Brent Graap, grandchildren: Jesse Graap, Jason Graap, Jade (Matt) Zastrow, Peter Gourlie, Jen (Jordan) Klos, Ashley (Michael) Shillin, Alex (Chelsea) Graap, Brandon (Leigha Janssen) Graap, Destinee (Tyler Budreau) Graap, Nyssa (Josh) Winchell, and Corey Graap, great grandchildren: Connor, Mackenzie, Ava, Easton, Gavin, Emma, Bentley, Easton, Parker, Breigha, Amelia, Jack, Leo, and Hazel, siblings: Eunice Schubert, Virginia McElhaney, and Barbara Golisch, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, infant son Bruce, siblings Charles Graap Jr., Audrey Heuser, Dennis Graap and Lucille Graap, siblings-in-law: Kenwood Schubert, Marvin McElhaney, Kermit Golisch, Kathy Graap, Vernon Heuser, Jean Graap, and James (Mary) Plautz.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11:00 am in the chapel at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill. Chaplain John Bourke will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9:30 am until the time of service also in the chapel at Bell Tower Residence. Interment will take place at Snow Hill Cemetery in the Town of Scott.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bell Tower Residence and/or Trinity Lutheran Church in loving memory of Kenneth.
PLEASE FOLLOW DETOUR SIGNS AROUND ROAD CONSTRUCTION TO REACH BELL TOWER. ATTENDANTS WILL DIRECT PARKING ONCE THERE.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com
