GRAIF, John Hennessey

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2014 John Hennessey Graif, age 88, of Mankato, Minn. died peacefully Monday, Feb. 24, 2014 at Laurel’s Peak with family by his side. A funeral and Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the University of Notre Dame Alumni Fund. John was born in Mankato, April 9, 1925 to Matt J. and Mary (Hennessey) Graif. He attended school in Mankato and graduated from Mankato High School in 1942. In 1946 he graduated with a business degree, from The University of Notre Dame. John was united in marriage to Mary Lucille Pearson, June 12, 1948. They settled in Mankato, where they raised their seven children. John immediately joined his father in the ownership and operation of the family business, Matt J. Graif Clothing. During those years he was an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and the Mankato City Council. He was an integral part in the planning and construction of the Mankato Mall. In 1980, John and MaryLou retired to Lake Havasu City, where they enjoyed many years of sunshine and outdoor activities. They returned to Mankato in 2006, to be closer to family and friends. During his life, John enjoyed playing golf with his long-time foursome at the Mankato Golf Club. He was an avid fisherman who relished his yearly fishing trips to Canada. His passion for travel led him to many destinations throughout the world. John enjoyed his daily coffee club with his life-long buddies and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. John is survived by his six children, Jim (Lois) Graif, Jane (Gary) Haefner, Joe (Mary) Graif, Jennifer McGuire, Jackie (Dave) Taylor, Jay Graif; 19 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Richard Pearson and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his wife of sixty five years; his parents; daughter, Julie Kratzke; daughter-in-law, Laura Graif; and sister-in-law, Gwen Pearson.