GRAF, C. Joseph, age 87

Died: Monday, April 13th, 2026

Memorial Mass: 12:00 Noon on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Francis Thadathil officiating

Visitation: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at church

Interment: St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the charity/organization of your choosing. 

C. Joseph "Joe" Graf, age 87, of Eau Claire, WI died Monday, April 13, 2026, at home with family by his side. 

Joe was born April 22, 1938, to Clemence and Mabel (Welch) Graf in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was a longtime resident of Eau Claire, and his family lineage in Wisconsin goes back generations. He graduated from Regis High School and then served six years in the U.S Army Reserve. On August 6, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marlys Latendresse at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where his parents were founding members.

He worked 39 years with the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation as an Engineering Materials Specialist until his retirement in 1996. His retirement included traveling the country via RV with Marlys and friends and living in Arizona before returning to Eau Claire to be close to family. 

Joe was a generous man who loved to share his time as a volunteer with various groups over the years like Meals on Wheels, Mayo Clinic including 15 years on Step Force, as an Election Poll Worker, Eau Claire Police Reserve (25 years), and 30 plus combined years as a lector with St. Olaf and Immaculate Conception parishes.

His almost 100% Irish Heritage was very special to him. He wore green on St. Patrick's Day and loved to cheer on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (as well as the Packers). Joe was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa and one of his favorite phrases was "Proud of you!"  

He is survived by his wife, Marlys; children, Michael (Erin) Graf of Chippewa Falls, Gregory Graf of Eagle, WI, Patrick (Carol) Graf of Atlanta, GA, and Julie (Kevan) Sharp of Eau Claire; grandchildren, David (Alicia), Joseph, Kacie (Jacob), Abigail (Jacob), and Jon (Koey); his feline fur baby, Princess; and other loving family members and many friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John.