Robert E. "Greasy" Graeff

Robert E. “Greasy” Graeff, 80 of Murphysboro passed away at 8:10pm on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Carbondale. Bob was born in Murphysboro on January 2, 1935 a son to the late Robert C. and Juanita (Beasley) Graeff. He was united in marriage to Margaret E. “Midge” Heape on June 12, 1955 in Murphysboro, Midge survives of Murphysboro. Mr. Graeff was a retired administrator for Murphysboro school district 186, he was a Teacher, Coach and Administrator in Murphysboro from 1957-1992. Bob spent his life first as a student and athlete at Murphysboro High School. He attended University of Illinois on a football scholarship, earning a degree in secondary education. He then earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Bob began his career as a teacher and coach in Murphysboro Junior High School, later moving to Murphysboro High School as Assistant Principal and retiring as Principal. He continued serving his beloved school district as a member of the Board of Education, ultimately as President. Bob was a giver of second chances and a soft place to land for many. His unconditional love for others made this world a better place. One of Bob's proudest moments was being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Murphysboro High School. Also, he served Murphysboro High School as Athletic Director, and was a member of the Murphysboro Elks Lodge 572. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Murphysboro United Methodist Church, Rev. Larry Gilbert and Mr. Don Gladden, a close personal friend of Bob’s will officiate, interment will follow at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro. Visitation will be from 5 to 8pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro and from 9 to 11am on Thursday at the church. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to the Murphysboro High School Red Devil Football Team and will be accepted at the funeral home or church on the day of the service. Survivors include his wife Margaret “Midge” Graeff, one daughter and son-in-law; Terri and Scott Hesse of Venice, FL., one son and daughter-in-law; Robert “Rob” and Jennifer Graeff of Murphysboro, five grandchildren; Ryan Hesse of Denver, CO., Sarah Hesse of Columbia, MO., Patrick Hesse of Carbondale, IL., and Connor Graeff and Brandon Graeff both of Murphysboro, one brother and sister-in-law; Mike and Trish Graeff of Crainville, IL., one sister; Sharon Albano of Ridgewood, N J., one brother-in-law and his wife; Neal and Ruth Heape of Sullivan, IN., several nieces and nephews also survive and include Kim Albano Caramanna, Rich Albano, both of New Jersey, Ruth Willcocks, Midge and Jim Hostetler, and Lori and Curt Meek, all of Michigan Tracie and Ben Crowder, Jeff and Yvonne Heape, Greg and Lora Heape, all of Florida, Aaron and Michelle Heape, Angie and Baron Broacksmith, and Ryan and Laura Heape, all of Indiana, and someone he loved like a daughter; Tammy Marko Salzman of Granite City, IL.

Robert E. "Greasy" Graeff

January 2, 1935 - October 23, 2015