Karl Alan Graf…November 28, 1964 – March 11, 2015

He was born on September 28, 1964 born in Brighton, Colorado to Charles and Jean Graf.  On March 11, 2015 his cancer won after a long battle. His wife, Margaret, and stepson, Nathaniel Green, at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City.

Karl attended school in Salida, CO.  Upon graduation in 1984, he moved to Lamar, CO to attend Lamar Community College where he studied Building Trades and graduated with an Associate’s Degree.  He worked as a Disc Jockey and at Wallace Oil.  His love was working on the Lamar Fire Department with Marshall Cook and many other friends.  He worked from 1985 to 1988.  He was most proud of getting the helicopter landing pad build for the hospital before he moved in 1988.

He moved in with Beverly and Don Gilberston’s family at the Southgate Mobile Home Park in 1988 until he could afford to buy his trailer. He found property in Ryndon where he moved his trailer so he could start a small farm. This is where Karl met his life’s love, Margaret, and her kids, Brian, Nathaniel, and Amanda Green. This was a start of a 23 year relationship and 16 wonderful years of marriage. They moved to the ‘loop’ house to start a new life together and a farm together. They raised chickens, pigs, goats and peafowl along with cats and dogs and, most importantly, helped raise his stepchildren.

He worked at many jobs but loved working with the public most but he most loved was to play Santa Clause for parties whether it was in Colorado or in Elko. Karl would light up the room when he walked in with his gregarious nature, warm smiles, and twinkling eyes.

Karl was very active in Scouts from being a Cub Scout to earning his Eagle Scout in March 1979. Karl believed that to have a great community, a person needed to be in turn, he was Cub Master in Elko for many years.  He also love working with FFA, 4-H and was the Leader for Peko 4-H.  For the kids, he enjoyed doing green eggs and ham for Dr Seuss’ birthday at area schools. Kiwanis Club Buckaroo Breakfast during the Elko Fair and was in charge for first Kiwanis football pool. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Elko Council 2511.  Karl served for many years as the financial secretary; he was a past Grand Knight and a member of Milo Tabor Council as a 4^th degree Knight.

His jobs included working with his parents at C&K Glass in Salida, CO. He worked many jobs including construction, Independence Gold Mine, Schwan’s Fine Food as the Product Manager or the Facility Supervisors.  He loved selling Schwan’s to his customers where his genuine appreciation for people was displayed. He also loved delivering propane for Westerns States, as well as his last position as driving miners safely for Coach USA.

The lights of Papa’s life were his 5 granddaughters: Hannah, Syriana, Jayden, Gemma, and Rosemarie. 

He is survived by his wife Margaret, stepsons Brian Green, Jr.(Erin), Nathaniel Green (Michelle), and stepdaughter Amanda Green along with his beautiful granddaughters, his beloved mother Jean Graf (Salida, CO), sisters Celeste Graf Ellis (Williamsburg, CO) and Sara Graf (Mesa, AZ) and dear family friend Kristi Surface White (Colorado Springs); along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Karl was preceded in death by his dad Charles Graf, brother-in-law Randal Ellis, beloved mother-in-law Mary Helen Marcucci and father-in-law Elmer Marcucci, and granddaughter Aryan Helen Green; along with his grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Catholic Mass will be held Elko Nevada at St Joseph’s Catholic Church with a celebration of his life to follow. Karl has asked for a colorful, rather than solemn dress and demeanor.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made donations in Karl’s name to: Elko Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 2494, Elko, NV 89801; Huntsman Patient and Family Housing, 2080 West North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116; or a charity of your choice.

Fly high my eagle, we will miss you greatly.