Aloys Joseph Graeve

May 22, 1927 - November 23, 2020

Aloys (Al) Joseph Graeve was born on May 22, 1927 to Henry and Rose (Mueller) Graeve in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church. After graduation from St. Joseph’s High School, Al attended St. John’s College. He enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed in post war Japan. Al returned to Earling to work with his brother Harry. There he learned the craft of carpentry that he would continue to use throughout his life and his farming career. Al found love and was united in marriage to Mildred (Mick) Erlbacher at St. Joseph Church on July 19, 1950. Six children were born to this union. Al farmed for the next 33 years. In 1984, he began his second career as a bus driver for the Harlan Community School District. Al enjoyed getting to know all of the children and their families on his bus route. He especially enjoyed driving the high school sport teams to out of town games, often ensuring a victory; coaches referred to Al as their “lucky charm!” He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post No. 615. Al’s dedication, pride, and love of his family was something he passed down to his children. Al and Mick logged many miles traveling across the country to visit family. Al often brought a future heirloom built in his shop. These gifts included tables, desks, shelves, trunks, banks, doll houses, quilt stands, and so much more. They will be treasured for generations. Al also loved the many visits from his family and friends. Throughout his life, Al enjoyed playing (and winning!) card games especially pitch, reading biographies and books of American history, and watching a good ball game. Al died on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Elm Crest Retirement Community having attained the age of 93 years, 6 months and 1 day. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alfons, William, Ray, Harry, Leonard, Leo, Charles, and sisters Margaret, Helen, Rita, Veronica, Esther. Al is survived by his wife of seventy years, Mildred, of Earling, six children: Dr. Al Graeve (Valerie Saul) of Tacoma, WA, Mike Graeve (Nancy) of Westminster CO, Marcia Linton (Mike) of Plymouth, MN, Craig Graeve (Lori) of Omaha, NE, Eric Graeve (Judy) of Eagan, MN, Doug Graeve (Kim) of Westminster, CO, 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, sisters Irene Arkfeld of Panama, IA, Mary Agnes Korducki of Milwaukee, WI, Ruth Korducki (Ray) of Milwaukee, WI, brothers Jim Graeve (Mary Ann) of St. Joseph, MN, Larry Graeve (Colleen) of Sun Prairie, WI as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. A celebration of Al’s life will be held in 2021. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to family.