J.R. Graff

James "J.R." Graff, 79, of Gothenburg, NE, and formerly of Lincoln, NE, passed away in North Platte, NE, January 30, 2024.

J.R. was married to the love of his life Kathy Graff for 61 years. J.R. worked for the BNSF railroad and was a member of the International Association of Machinist as a machinist, and in management as a Power Maintenance Controller, and Assistant General Foreman for 40 years and retired in Lincoln, NE. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 28 years and served as president of the Independent Center Alumni Association in Lincoln, NE and a member of the Triangle Campers.

J.R. was a member of Ebenezer Congregational Church and served as board president. He was currently a member of the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, NE. He was a Blue Lodge Mason, 32nd Scottish Rite Mason, and Sesostris Shiner.

J.R. loved to go camping, especially with the Triangle Campers, go fishing, and golfing especially with family.

J.R. is survived by his wife Kathy, son Dr. Jim Graff, daughter-in-law Kim Graff all of Gothenburg, NE; son-in-law Terry McElroy of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren, Jamie and Sean Graff of Gothenburg, NE; Josh (Laura) McElroy of Sioux City, IA; and Hanna (Ian) Williams of Sioux Falls, SD; six great-grandchildren, Jillian, Danny, Kate, Olivia, Theodore and Henry, brother-law Johnnie (Mary) Brehm; along with many nieces and nephews.

J.R. was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Ruth, sister, Georgene Graff, brother Larry Graff, daughter Kris McElroy and grandson Kevin McElroy.

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE 69138, Nebraska Alcoholics Anonymous, Great Plains Mental Health or the Gothenburg Volunteer  Fire Department.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, February 8, 2024, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. with the family present from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10:30 am with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating.  

Burial will follow at the American Lutheran Cemetery