WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mr. Ervin Abraham Graber, age 89, of Constantine, passed away early Saturday morning, June 14, 2014 surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness. He was born in Middlebury, IN., on May 28, 1925 the son of the late Abraham and Bena (Roth) Graber.
Following high school in Middlebury, Ervin attended Eastern Mennonite College in Goshen, IN. In the early 1940’s Ervin rode his Harley-Davidson motorcycle throughout the U.S. touching every state. While still heavily active in farming, he spent time on a mission trip to help build Churches in Kentucky where he met the love of his life Beulah, whom he later was united in marriage on Sept. 7, 1952, following a tour in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines. They later settled in St. Joseph County and began their family. Ervin worked for Hass Corporation in Mendon for ten years before he and Beulah started Graber Industries which he was active in until his passing. Ervin never passed up a moment to help a friend or stranger in need. He was an active part of the Moorepark Community Church and called them his second family.
Ervin was a unique character and the most generous man you could meet. His true passion and joy in life was to “find outdated and overlooked items”, often in bulk, and turn them into deals for friends, family, and customers, often asking for nothing in return. A close second passion of Ervin’s was softball, catching, umpiring and managing and especially pitching, where he received many accolades. Ervin pitched his last game just a few weeks ago for what he called “ his team” The Moorepark Community Softball Team. When the work at Grabers was done and the last gamed pitched, one of his secret comforting times was to sit on the porch with the love of his life, his friend Beulah and drink tea and talk.
Mr. Graber was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife Beulah in May of last year.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his children, Wilma (Paul) Wilder, of Three Rivers, Faythe (Charles) Schrader, of Centreville, and Tim (Judy) Graber, of Three Rivers; three brothers, Ezra (Erma), Joe (Cora) and Sam (Adeline) Graber; two sisters, Ruby (Floyd) Miller, and Ester (Glen) Riegsecker; six grandchildren, Aaron (Justine), Amy (Ross), Tim (Julia), Corry (Tim), Ben (Krystalle) and Autumn (Brock); twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI. 49093
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Moorepark Community Church, with Pastor Ken Miller officiating.
Interment will be held at Locust Grove Mennonite Cemetery.
Memorials may be donated to the Moorepark Community Church Softball Club. Envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.hohnerfh.com.
