Rodney Stuart Graf

Rodney Stuart Graf was born on November 5, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska to Carol “Dutch” and Marjorie (Bohlen) Graf. He grew up in Waterloo, graduated from Waterloo High School in 1968 and went on to attend Wayne State College. Growing up, Rod was active in sports, playing football and basketball, running for track, and throwing shot put. On February 1, 1986 Rodney and Penny Nath were united in marriage at Rod’s family home in Waterloo. Rod and Penny raised three children together, Jennifer, Brandon, and Todd. Rod’s marriage to Penny, the birth of his children, and becoming a grandparent were the proudest moments in his life. For many years, Rod worked as a truck driver for Robinson Seed Company. Even when Rod wasn’t working, he liked to keep busy; sometimes this was with his own interests, but often it was in the form of helping others. Rod was selfless, and everyone knew they could depend on him, and he was well known and appreciated for mowing other peoples’ yards. Rod didn’t like to see people being lazy or wasteful in any way. Every day, Rod took a trip to Walmart, and he also made good use of his Sam’s membership. He enjoyed gardening, and while he wasn’t a huge fan of flowers, he did appreciate the sight of sweet corn growing. He watched a lot of country westerns with Gunsmoke being his favorite, and enjoyed Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. He also liked cheering for the Huskers. He was a music lover who listened to all types of music, especially enjoying classic rock and country. Rod had a big, sweet tooth enjoying all candies and desserts, and liked to go to Runza for a hamburger and Coke. Rod had a good sense of humor and was often heard asking, “What’s on Your Shirt?” or saying, “Pull My Finger!” There were some traditions that Rod was sure to follow every year; he always sent his children a Valentine’s gift, and every Christmas he watched A Christmas Story. When his children were little, he would hum “Over the Rainbow” to them as they fell asleep. Rod was a good man and provider to his family; he was sentimental, authentic, and inviting. He always took care of others and did it with a smile on his face. He was incredibly loving and truly enjoyed any time he was able to spend with his family. Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Carol & Marjorie Graf and brother, John Graf. He is survived by his wife, Penny Graf; children: Jennifer (Tim) Hmay, Brandon Graf, and Todd Graf (Amira Rojas); grandchildren, Brooklyn Hmay and Quinn Hmay; and siblings: Janet Greer, Stan Graf, and Denise (Jack) Lasiter. VISITATION: 5-8 PM Tuesday, November 26th at Reichmuth Funeral Home. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 AM Wednesday, November 27th at Reichmuth Funeral Home. INURNMENT: Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn.

Rodney Stuart Graf

November 5, 1949 - November 20, 2024