Don Graber

Don Graber, 84, of Fort Wayne was called home September 1, 2022. Don was born to the late Peter and Rose Graber October 26, 1937, in Daviess County, IN. He was second oldest in a family of 15 children and was immensely proud of his upbringing and strong family ties. Don relocated to Fort Wayne, IN with his loving wife, Sue Graber, in 1959 to start their family. They had three children who were the driving force behind his work ethic and ambition to provide them with a fulfilled life. Family was always at the forefront of his mind, and he was intentional in spending quality time together. Their quality time was often located at the lake house where he taught his children and grandchildren to fish, drive a boat, and roast a hog. 

Don was an esteemed businessman who built his company Graber and Graber Contractors in 1966 with his brother Dale from a dream into a thriving business. The company lives on today through is Son-in-Law Adam Groves and Grandson Braden Groves. 

When he wasn’t working (which wasn’t very often!) he enjoyed working on any kind of project he could find, traveling, and fishing. He spent much of his retirement fishing on the gulf with his friends and family. Don was a generous man with a giving heart who never expected anything in return. He shared his success with all he encountered and enjoyed giving to his church, family, and community. Don’s legacy will live on through the wisdom and stories he shared with everyone he knew. 

Don is survived by his family of three daughters Kim (Keith) Wilson, Kelley Graber, and Michelle (Adam) Groves; Seven Grandchildren including Ashlee (Brian) Kaluf, Lauren (Mark) Marré, Zoë Lengacher, Maggie Lengacher, Aubrey (Justin) Soper, Braden Groves and Cameron Groves; as well as three great-grandchildren Coraline Kaluf, Chloe Marré, and Eliza Kaluf. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Catherine Wagler, Lydiann Mullett, Mervin Graber, Pauline Stoltzfus, Alvis Graber, Richard Graber, Roselyn Coblentz, Paul Graber, Gordon Graber, Shirley Yoder, Beverly Yoder, and Karen Graber. Don was preceded in death by his wife Sue Graber, and his brothers Dale Graber and Gary Graber. 

Funeral Service will be 12:30 pm, Friday, September 9, 2022, at Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Rd. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America .