Robert Alexander Graf

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Robert Alexander Graf

February 3, 1931 ~ May 8, 2025

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 eighth 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 Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oakland, California. Bob and Marie relocated from Oakland to Salt Lake City 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. 

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. 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); and great-grandchildren Faith M. Kuhn and Taylor R. Kuhn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Emily M. Franklin of Castro Valley, California; and niece Stacey Bales (Chuck) of Union City, California.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on May 21, 2025 at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Interment at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

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