Julia Graf

Julia Graf, 87, of Corning, Iowa died peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2014 at the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital in Humboldt, Iowa, surrounded by family members. Julia was born on February 9, 1927 in Cornell, Wisconsin to a family of Czech descent. As a young child, she took pride in helping her mom tend to the garden and learning to cook for a large family. Following her graduation from the Cornell High School she worked at the local paper mill. One of her favorite past-times was going to dances, as she loved to jitterbug. She was united in marriage to Edwin Graf on October 8, 1942 in Camp Douglas, WI. To this union ten children were born: five girls and five boys. During her life on the farm with Ed and the children in Wisconsin, many memories were made, including summer picnics at Mill Bluff, working in the garden and taking cucumbers to the pickle factory.
Julia has lived in Corning since 1968. During this time her life was devoted to raising her family and supporting them in whatever they did. She also worked at the Congregate Meal site for several years prior to her retirement. She enjoyed knitting afghans, helping with the garden at the Peterson farm, canning and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Optimist Club and enjoyed giving back to the community through their various activities.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, James and Agnes Klima; a son, Gary Lee; brothers: Tony and Wally; sisters: Luella, Agnes, Marion, Myra, Josephine and Hertha.
Survivors include children: Fred (Joyce), Dan (Rebecca), Jean (Pat) Paul, Bob (Karen), Patty (Doug) Peterson, Ed, Julie, Brenda (Jerry) Larsen and Lisa. Also left to cherish her memory are twenty-two grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; her sister, Rose and many friends.
Julia was a Godly woman in mind, heart and spirit. When a family priest asked which child she loved the most she said, “I love them all the same”. When asked which child she would help the most she said, “The one who needs it the most.” Her legacy is her family and friends who she always greeted with open arms and a “hello honey”. In her final moments she shed a tear of joy as she was welcomed into the loving arms of our Savior who reunited her with her son Gary.