Ervin Graf

Graf, Ervin A.

Madison: Ervin A Graf, age 86, of Madison, WI, entered eternal life on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015, at Heritage Memory Care in Middleton, after a courageous battle of dementia.
Ervin was born on March 15, 1929, on his family's farm in Verona, WI. He was the son of Ervin H. & Mildred (Buskager) Graf. At a young age, his family moved to Madison, where his father took a position of groundskeeper at Nakoma Country Club. So begins his love affair with golf, which spanned over 80 years.

Erv attended Dudgeon Elementary School and learned to play golf while walking across the street from their home, to chip and putt, with his Uncle Ken, on the 2nd hole of Glenway Golf Course. Uncle Ken and Erv are probably playing a round right now in Heaven. Erv attended Madison West High School, graduating in 1947. He was a member of the school's golf team.
As a caddie at Nakoma Country Club, one of Erv's favorite memories was when he caddied for Sam Snead, who was in town for an exhibition match. During the 1950's, Erv enjoyed competing in the City Golf Tournaments, finishing runner-up several times.

Erv met the love of his life, Patricia (Stormer) Graf in 1947, while on a blind date. Before they could be married, he was drafted into the U.S. Army (during the Korean War) & was sent overseas, and stationed at Wiesbaden, Germany. After military service, Erv and Patricia were married on March 26, 1953. Their wedding reception was held at Nakoma Country Club.

In 1955, while it was under construction, Erv was offered a groundskeeper position at Odana Hills Golf Club. Ten years later, he was asked to help design and construct Yahara Hills Golf Course. In 1975, Erv was rewarded for his hard work, and was promoted to Superintendent of Madison's 4 golf courses. in 1990, at the young age of 60, he retired from the City of Madison. He didn't stay retired for long. He started part time as a consultant-groundskeeper at Vitense Golfland. He also worked part time for the Madison School Community Recreation Department (MSCR), during the basketball and volleyball seasons, as a gym supervisor.

Erv was fascinated by the history of golf, and began collecting and refurbishing antique golf clubs. If Erv wasn't golfing in retirement, he was working on his golf club collection.

Erv was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Erv is survived by his wife, Patricia (Stormer) Graf; his children, Kathy (Terry) Stoikes (Madison), Cary (Susan) Graf,Madison, Kevin (Vicky) Graf, Lancaster, WI, and David Graf (Madison): 7 Grandchildren: Alicia Stoikes, Andrew Graf, Lori (Graf) Hoechst, Ashley Graf, Tamara Graf, Julie Graf & Michelle Graf: and 3 great grandchildren: Alexandra Dixon, Avery Hoechst and Abriel Graf: his sister, Betty (Graf) Stucki, and 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Saddler and Mary Stormer. He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Daniel Graf, and one grandson, Kevin Christopher Graf.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday January 4, 2016 at the CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison WI 53705. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705, with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. Please share your memories of Erv.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, Wi 53705
(608) 238-8406