Obituary for Gary Alan Graft

Gary Alan Graft, of Portland, age 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. He was born on January 11, 1949, the son of Harold “Buster” and Grace Graft. Gary graduated from Portland High School in the Class of 1967 where he enjoyed playing sports. He retired from T.R.W. after 36 years of service. Gary was admired by many for his love of fishing and knowledge of the sport, but more importantly for his willingness to share with many people. This passion led him to starting “Gary’s Custom Rods” so that he may have the perfect rod on the Betsie River and his trips to Alaska which he so loved. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Howard (Carol) Graft and his father-in-law, Stanley Gross; in-laws, Marian (Jack) Johns and George Sterner. Gary is the much loved husband of Susanne; dedicated father to Kristen (Paul) Petersen and Gary (Michelle) Graft; he is the cherished grandfather of Leanna (Joe) Davis, Shane (Kylie) Petersen, Alexis (Austin) Ray, Jordan Petersen, Alex, Andrea, and Jake Graft; was a proud great grandfather of Paisley Jo Marie and Hunter Davis; Brantley, Rhett, and Sutton Marie Petersen; brother, Gordon (Charlene) Graft; sisters, Cheryl Myers and Henrietta Trisch; Susanne’s family, Stanley (deceased) and Jane Gross; Sheila Cook, Donalyn (Terry) Lawless and Doug (Rae) Gross; Marian (Jack) Johns and George Sternert; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Celebration will be held on the Betsie River according to Gary’s wishes. It is important that Susanne would like to extend heartfelt thank you to the Robinwood Landing and to Marie Linn and staff for the love shown and excellent care of Gary. A special thanks to Ruby from Hospice of Lansing. The family is being served by Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com. “Fish on Gary, fish on………”