Leonard Joseph Graeve

November 1, 1925 - December 26, 2019

Leonard Joseph Graeve, son of Henry and Rose (Mueller) Graeve, was born November 1, 1925 in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling. After graduation, Leonard was drafted into the United States Army on October 9, 1950. He earned several medals including Korean Service Medals with Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal - Japan Combat, Occupational Medal, and an Infantry Badge with one Overseas Bar. He served his country honorably until October 4, 1952. On January 8, 1955, Leonard was united in marriage to Joyce Feser at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Seven children were born to this union: William, Harvey, Dale, Sharon, Julie, Mark, and Stan. He worked at Swift’s Packing Plant in Omaha, Nebraska, then later farmed outside of Earling until retiring. Leonard and Joyce enjoyed dancing and traveling together. He also liked growing a big garden and volunteering. Leonard joined Knights of Columbus in 1944. He was a lifetime member of Shelby County VFW Post 941 and a member of the American Legion. Leonard died on Thursday, December 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of ninety-four years, one month, and twenty-five days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings William Graeve, Ray Graeve, Harry Graeve, Alf Graeve, Rita Pranke, Helen Petsche, Margaret Tedrow, Esther Musich, Veronica Hodapp, Charles Graeve, and Leo Graeve. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Joyce Graeve of Harlan, Iowa; children William Graeve and his wife Jayne of Lincoln, Nebraska; Harvey Graeve and his wife Laura of The Woodlands, Texas; Dale Graeve and his wife Sue of Earling, Iowa; Sharon and her husband Dave Altman of La Vista, Nebraska; Julie and her husband Daryl Klein of Omaha, Nebraska; Mark Graeve of Omaha, Nebraska; Stan Graeve of Omaha, Nebraska; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings Irene Arkfeld of Panama, Iowa; Al Graeve and his wife Mick of Earling, Iowa; Mary Agnes Korducki of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jim Graeve and his wife Mary Ann of St. Joe, Minnesota; Larry Graeve and his wife Colleen of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Ruth and her husband Ray Korducki of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Mildred Lang; many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.