GRAEPLER, JR., Wilbert (Hank) Henry

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Wilbert “Hank” Henry Graepler Jr. U.S. Veteran March 14, 1934 - March 28, 2015 Everyone called him “Hank” but he was born Wilbert Henry Graepler, Jr. on March 14, 1934 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His parents were Wilbert Henry Graepler, Sr. and Ilsa Berniece Horton Graepler.When Mr. Graepler was three years old, the family moved to the warmer and dryer climate of Phoenix, Ariz. because of his sister’s asthma. He graduated from West High School and went north to work on ranches. He worked the Boquillas, the ROR and the 76. The cornerstones of Mr. Graepler’s life were his faith, his love of horses, ranch work and the outdoors, and his family. Mr. Graepler was drafted and served his country from 1956 to 1958 in the Army as a communication specialist. After his service, he returned to ranch work. Looking for a better life for his growing family, he moved with them to the city where he went into sheet metal, air conditioning and cooling work. He retired from Interstate Mechanical Corporation or imcor. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joan Guthrie; sister and husband, Karen (Jerry) Martin; his brother and wife, William (Diane) Graepler; and son, David Winn. Mr. Graepler is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara; daughters Kelli (Glenn) Johnson, Lillian Swafford, Michelle (Jon) Schenk; and sister, Mary (Jim) Troyer; his seven grandchildren: Lisa, Sabra, Tracy Jr., Tymber, David, Nicole and Jerry Jr.; as well as 18 great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor to many under the Rim, always glad to lend a hand and do what he could. On any good day he would likely be atop a horse traveling through the pastures and backwoods of Rim Country. Mr. Graepler was a devoted member of the Rock of Ages congregation who passed into the arms of the Lord March 28, 2015 surrounded by family at his home in Mesa del Caballo. In accordance with his beliefs he did not say goodbye, but only see you later. His services will be held at 10 a.m., April 18, 2015, at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 204 W. Airport Rd., Payson, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in his memory to either the Rock of Ages Lutheran Church or Hospice Compassus, 511 S. Mud Springs Road, Payson, Ariz.