Margaret (Peg) Graf

Margaret “Peg” Graf was a mother whose compassion shown in many forms. She tried to bring the best out of each of her loved ones, leading them by example in matters of faith and honesty. Peg was a strong and giving person who found the greatest happiness in the presence of her family.

They called the decade the “Roaring Twenties” and the name was justly deserved. It was a fantastic period in our nation’s history, when the sounds of progress could be heard in every village and city across America. It was the birthplace of jazz, the golden age of industry and above all else, a time of plenty. Margaret “Peg” Philipp entered this bustling world on December 28, 1926, in the city of Jackson, Michigan. She was the youngest of two children born to William and Lina (Mayer) Philipp.

Peg spent her growing up years in Jackson, living at 131 East Robinson. Her father, William, earned a living working for the railroad while her mother was a homemaker. The family were members of the St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Jackson, and this strong Christian upbringing would become an important part of Peg’s life. Aside from regularly attending services, Peg was also actively involved with the church’s youth group and activities. For education, she attended the area elementary school and graduated from Jackson High School in 1944. Peg was a master violinist and proudly held the first chair position in her high school orchestra. And in addition to her studies, Peg worked part time in the credit department at Sears in Jackson. After graduation, she continued her job at Sears, where she was considered a very good bookkeeper.

It was during her high school years that Peg was introduced to her future husband, Edward Graf. She and some friends were attending the County Fair, which was held in Jackson, and while there, she met up with her cousin, Lucy Mayer, who was dating Ed. It seems Ed wanted to ride the ferris wheel and Lucy did not, so Peg agreed to ride with him. As fate would have it, this was the beginning of a wonderful relationship, which would span over six decades and include many happy memories.

Although Peg and Ed had found each other and life was good, all was not well in the world. The United States became embroiled in the battles of World War II, and Ed soon went off to join the many other young men fighting overseas. After completing Officer Candidate School, Ed returned home on leave long enough to ask his sweetheart Peg to marry him, to which she happily said yes. They both agreed, however, they wouldn’t marry until Ed returned from his overseas duty. This long awaited day finally came on June 16, 1945. Unfortunately, because of his wounds sustained in war, the newlyweds honeymooned in Miami, Florida, to be close to a military hospital for his continuing care. Ed’s military responsibilities took the couple to various military posts throughout the U.S. until they eventually ended up in Miles Standish, New Jersey. Once settled, Peg took a job with Sears, after a glowing recommendation from the staff at the Sears in Jackson.

Upon Ed’s honorable discharge, the couple returned home to Jackson and lived with Peg’s parents for a short time. It was during this time that they were blessed with their first daughter, Priscilla. With a growing family, Ed and Peg soon moved to their own home on Levant Street, where they were blessed with their second daughter, Suzette. Peg continued her commitment to her faith, with the family remaining active in the church she grew up in. She was also very close to her parents and it was wonderful to see them as doting grandparents to her girls.

During this time, Ed provided for his family as a salesman for a large national company. In 1954, his job was transferred to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the family soon moved to a home on Almont Street S.E. It was here they welcomed the birth of their third daughter, Judy, who completed the Graf family. Peg had such a positive and cheerful disposition that it didn’t take long for the family to settle into their new neighborhood. They also became faithful members of the South Congregational Church, where Peg loved to give of her time and talents, serving on various committees and helping on many projects. After a short time on Almont Street, the family moved to a new home on Lotus Street S.E., where they would lovingly raise their girls.

Peg loved being a mother to her three girls and was always very involved in their school and other activities, like Campfire Girls, Bluebirds, room mother and PTA member. She was also a great role model, teaching them how to maintain a household, along with cooking and sewing. As an excellent seamstress, Peg sewed many things for the family; however, her specialty was making doll clothes for her grandchildren. “Family dinners” were Peg’s most cherished moments, for it was a time the family all came together and enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared with love. Whether they were sharing their day’s events or simply making small talk, these were good times remembered by the entire family.

Peg was a woman with a warm and giving heart and could always be counted on as a support for those close to her. She was always willing to help whenever she could, whether babysitting her precious grandchildren or helping out in some church activity. Peg was there for anyone at anytime, not because she had to be, but because she wanted to share fully in the lives of the people she loved.

Peg and Ed had a wonderful relationship and enjoyed spending time together. As world travelers, they visited almost every continent in the world, including Europe, North Africa, Australia and a month long trip to China, which was truly an unforgettable experience for them. Their travels also took them all over the United States, sightseeing and marveling at the many natural beauties of our country. When their girls were younger, the family enjoyed camping in their travel trailer throughout Michigan. Some of their favorite spots were in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where there was good fishing for Ed and the girls. On other occasions, while Ed tended his job, Peg and the girls would spend several days at the beach.

In her leisure time, Peg enjoyed reading or tending her small garden of flowers and tomatoes. She also loved to go shopping, but not so much for herself, she was usually looking for clothes for her children and grandchildren. Some of her favorite moments were spent sitting at the beach in Grand Haven, watching the tranquil waters and boats in the channel. In later years, it became difficult for the couple to maintain their home, so they moved to Cook Valley, where Peg extended her tender, full heart to caring for some of her new neighbors. Above all else, Peg loved her great grandchildren and beamed with delight when they would visit. Even when she was in the dreary hospital, a visit from her grandchildren and great grandchildren would lift her spirits once again.

Ed lovingly remembers his beloved wife Peg as a beautiful person who was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, but most of all, she had a deep faith in God. Peg was a woman of true character, always honest and upright, and set a wonderful example for all who knew and loved her. Peg’s kindness and beauty will be remembered forever.

Margaret (Peg) Graf, aged 78, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2005. Surviving are her husband of 60 years, Edward A. Graf; her children: Pris and Ron Karelse, Sue and David Meyer, Judy and Tim Knight; her grandchildren and their families, which include 14 great grandchildren: Lisa and Joel DeVries and Sarah, Joshua, Zachery and Caleb; Lee and Kelli Karelse and Emilee, Molly and Nathan; Rebecca and Brian Tubergen and Jacob, Sam and Breanna; Beth and Dan Triezenberg and Andrew and Anna; Courtney Meyer and fiancé Ben Van De Wege, Ashley Meyer, Jennifer and Matt Pautlitz and Owen and Hailey; Katie Tooker and friend CJ Foster, Ryan Tooker and Molly Knight.

Funeral and committal services will be held on Saturday, April 9, at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien – Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan, with Rev. Brian Byrne of East Congregational UCC officiating. Private interment will be in Fairplains Cemetery. Mrs. Graf reposes at the funeral chapel where friends may meet with the family on Friday, April 8, from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Please visit Peg’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan.