Howard Gragg, 86

Howard A. Gragg, age 86, of Mendon, died Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at his home. He was born in Kalamazoo on October 26, 1936 the son of the late Archie and Doris (Olmstead) Gragg. He attended Richland Public Schools. The family moved to Ohio his senior year, and he graduated from Bexley High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. While in the service he met a beautiful waitress by the name of Mary Lou Hobbs. They were married on May 11, 1957 in Marked Tree, Arkansas. They settled in Vicksburg, where he owned and operated Howard’s Auto Repair for many years. After retirement, he worked briefly at Bob’s Auto Repair in Mendon.

Howard was a former member of the White Pigeon Church of Christ, where he served as Deacon and Treasurer. He enjoyed camping and fishing “up-north” and mushrooming. He became the primary caregiver to his wife, Mary Lou in their later years, sitting on the porch, and playing his Gibson guitar for her.

Howard is survived by two daughters, Katrina Danielczuk of Mattawan and Linda (Robert) VanderStraaten of Mendon; Seven grandchildren, Michael (Angie) VanderStraaten, Sarah (Jake) Pease, Tina Munson-Merrell, Georgia Miles, Stephanie Smeros, Misty Carpenter, and Mary Russell; several great-grandchildren to include Calvin and Lucy Pease, Ethan, Blake, and Dylan VanderStraaten;three sisters, Lila Munson, Helen Luegge, and Sharon Drake; and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou; great-grandson, Devon VanderStraaten; two brothers, Archie and Patrick Gragg; and by three sisters, Yolanda Puterio, Patricia Fisher, and Alice Terry.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted, and no public services are planned at this time. It is suggested that memorial contributions be directed to either, St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, or to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. The family wishes to acknowledge the care and compassion provided by Centrica Care Navigators. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com