Obituary of Orville DeGraaf

Orville Lee DeGraaf, the son of John and Bertha (Van Der Weerd) DeGraaf, was born on October 5, 1924, near Sheldon, Iowa. He spent his childhood years in the Hospers and Sanborn, Iowa areas. At age 17, he attended Sheldon College. A short time later he reported to Shepard Field, Texas for basic training in the Army Air Corps. During his time in the military, he was a member of the 15th Bomber Group, 99th Unit, stationed in Fogia, Italy. He was a bomber pilot, flying a B-17 aircraft, and was involved in 11 bombing missions. After the war, he kept up his pilot’s license and flew for many years. In January of 1947, Orville was united in marriage to Lois Ann Benz. They started farming near Melvin, Iowa. They were blessed with four children, Pam, Larry, Twilla and Terry. After 49 years of marriage, Lois passed away in February of 1996. Orville married Joyce (Drackley) Schreiber in November of 1997. They made their home near Melvin, and later moved to the Prairie View Campus in Sanborn. Orville passed away at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley, Iowa, on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the age of 87. He was a member of the Osceola County Conservation Board for 36 years, the Melvin American Legion Post #470, and the American Lutheran Church. He was instrumental in designing the Melvin Park which was later named the DeGraaf Park. Willow Creek Park on Hwy 9 was especially dear to his heart. He was the Osceola County Weed Commissioner for 13 years. He had also worked for Osceola Rural Water and the John Deere Implement of Sheldon. Orville took great pride in his family, and they were his priority in life. Farming was his passion. He started hunting at an early age, and it became a life-long hobby. He enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and time spent having coffee and fellowship with his friends. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children and their families, Pam (Dave) Clauson, Larry (Jeannie) DeGraaf, Twilla (Henry) Bents, and Terry (Sandy) DeGraaf; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Floyd (Judy) DeGraaf; two step-children, Roger Schreiber and Connie (Jon) Hysell. Orville is now reunited with his parents; first wife, Lois; a brother, Lloyd DeGraaf; a sister, Joyce, and her husband, Don Nelson; an infant brother and sister; and son-in-law, Ron Tremmel. Celebrating the life of Orville Lee DeGraaf Born ~ October 5, 1924 Died ~ October 16, 2011 Age ~ 87 years 11 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2011 American Lutheran Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Judy Johnson Organist ~ Fay Schall Soloist ~ Lee Schmidt “In the Garden” Congregational Singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” “On Eagles’ Wings” Pallbearers David Beek Danny Beek Randy Ahrenstorff Ron Ahrenstorff Roger Jacobs Kevin Strenge Honorary Pallbearers Mitch Wynja Matt Wynja Cody DeGraaf Rick Tremmel Ryan DeGraaf Ushers Mike Seivert Paul Mohr Burial Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa Military Rites Conducted by Melvin American Legion Post #470