John V. Graff of Olathe, KS, passed away on November 12, 2016. He was born on January 17, 1930 to John Cyril Graff and Clara Shirkey Graff in Lima, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, JoAnna Ziegenbusch Graff on September 15th of this year. He is survived by five children: Kristine (Michael) Gruenebaum, John T. Graff, Margaret Gerdes, William Graff, and Mary Susan Baer; seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Morgan) Gruenebaum, Andrew (Lacey) Gruenebaum, Alex Gerdes, Connor Gerdes, Michael Baer, and Rachel and John "Nick" Graff; and one great grandson Gibson Gruenebaum. An Air Force Veteran, he proudly served his country during the
Korean Conflict. He graduated from St. Louis University- Parks College in 1959 with double majors in Meteorology and Aviation Business Administration. Mr. Graff had a 30 year career with the U.S. Weather Bureau/National Weather Service. He retired in 1988 from his position as Meteorologist-In- Charge for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Forecast Office. He received the Bronze Medal from the Department of Commerce for Meritorious Leadership, among many other awards. He later consulted with the Control Data Corp. and trained meteorologists in foreign countries including his last assignment with the Saudi Arabian Weather Service. His passion for aviation spanned his entire life. He held a pilot's license from the time he was sixteen and was a flight instructor from college through retirement. He mentored many new pilots and donated many hours to those aspiring to fly professionally. Mr. Graff was keenly intelligent, played a wicked game of chess, and passed his love of aviation to his children and grandchildren, many of whom work in Aviation and Aerospace Industries today. He leaves a legacy of love, humor, and above all, honor and duty. Memorial Mass is planned for Friday November 25, 2016 at 11:30 am at The Santa Marta Chapel; 13800 W. 116th St., Olathe, KS. Reception to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, Lima, Ohio and he will be interred next to his wife in Buckland, Ohio. Memorial gifts may be made to the John V. Graff Memorial Aviation Scholarship; c/o Lisa Masters; Parks College (SLU) 3450 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. Arr: Cullen Funeral Home Raymore, MO. 816-322-5278 Cullen Funeral Home, Inc
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