Final Salute

Our beloved dad passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 94.

He was born Robert Alexander Graf on February 3, 1931, to Max Graf and Hertha Kaths.

Bob and Marie were childhood sweethearts, together since the 8th grade.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee-“We Build, We Fight.” During the Korean War, he was stationed in Subic Bay, Philippines, where he helped build the landing strips.

Bob and Marie were married in July 1953 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oakland. When Bob was returning from overseas, his ship made an unexpected two-day stop in Hawaii for repairs, and he barely made it back in time for the wedding. It became a long-running family joke that Bob was trying to delay the wedding.

Bob and Marie relocated from Oakland, California to Salt Lake City, Utah in May of 1962, as part of Bob’s career with Western Electric, a division of the Bell System.

Dad worked for Western Electric for 35 years. After his retirement, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also dedicated 26+ years as a volunteer at LDS Hospital, where he greeted visitors in the ICU waiting room, delivered newspapers, and brightened everyone’s day with his signature dad jokes. The staff always looked forward to Wednesdays, eager to hear Bob’s latest jokes. Later, he proudly took on the role of ‘Chief Staple Puller,’ carefully removing staples from hard copy patient documents to prepare them for digitization.

His grandson Daniel would always playfully insist, ‘I’m your favorite, huh Grandpa?’-but Jennifer held a special distinction as the very FIRST grandchild. If the grandkids misbehaved in public, Dad would always threaten them with a trip to the restroom. No one ever talked about what happened during those trips, but the kids always came back with a new attitude. We later learned that all he ever did was talk to them about how to behave. As the grandkids got older, it became a running family joke-if you didn’t behave, Grandpa was taking you to the restroom.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Marie “Dolly” Graf; his parents, Max and Hertha Graf; in-laws, Edward J. and Mary G. Joaquin; and sisters, Carol Stott and Carla Espinoza.

Survived by his children, Craig E. Graf (the late Karen S. Fletcher), and Karen M. VanSlooten (the late Gilbert VanSlooten) (Rick Israelson); grandchildren, Jennifer M. Kuhn (Ryan), and Daniel J. VanSlooten (Brittany Tafuna); great-grandchildren, Faith M. Kuhn and Taylor R. Kuhn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Emily M. Franklin of Castro Valley, CA; and niece Stacey Bales (Chuck) of Union City, CA.

A recitation of the Holy Rosary and Vigil Prayers will begin at 6:00pm, viewing to follow on Tuesday, May 20th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Ln., Holladay, UT.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 AM also at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, luncheon to follow.

Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U St., Salt Lake City, UT.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lisa Kuwahara, Dr. Bren Blackham, Dr. Darren Groberg, Dr. Ron Wilkins, Troy Demill, and the dedicated nurses on the 9th floor at IMC Hospital for their exceptional care of Dad.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, Utah Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.