Margaret E. "Midge" Graeff

IN MEMORY OF: Margaret E. “Midge” Graeff Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois With deep love and grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of Margaret E. “Midge” Graeff, age 88, of Rotonda West, Florida, formerly of Murphysboro, Illinois, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Born on August 17, 1937, in Tamaroa, Illinois, Midge was the cherished daughter of Lester and Frieda (Smith) Heape. On June 12, 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert E. Graeff. Together, they built a marriage that spanned more than 60 years—a true partnership grounded in devotion, resilience, and unwavering love—until his passing in 2015. Midge lived her life as a steady and comforting presence to all who knew her. She was the kind of woman who showed up—quietly, faithfully, and with a heart full of grace. Whether as a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother, a proud grandmother, or a joyful great-grandmother, she gave her love freely and without condition. Her family was her greatest pride, and she nurtured it with strength, kindness, and a deep sense of care that will echo through generations. We are deeply grateful for every memory we share—every story, every laugh, and every quiet moment together. Her life has been a beautiful example of resilience, grace, and unwavering devotion to family. She loved fiercely, and her devotion, wisdom, and gentle strength have shaped our family in ways we will carry with us every day. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Murphysboro, where her faith helped guide her life and her compassion for others. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving children, Terri (Scott) Hesse, Robert (Jennifer) Graeff, and her daughter by choice, Tammy Salzman; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Kalehli) Hesse, Sarah Hesse, Patrick (Casey) Hesse, Connor Graeff and his fiancée Skylar Miller, and Brandon (Haley) Graeff; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Theo, Henry, Carter, and Alayna. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth Heape. Midge was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert; her brothers, Norman Heape and Neal Heape; and her sister, Jean Benson Daugherty. To know Midge was to know warmth, steadiness, and unconditional love. She was the quiet backbone of her family—the one who held everything together, often without recognition, but always with intention. Her legacy is not only in the years she lived but in the lives she shaped, the traditions she carried forward, and the love she leaves behind. A graveside service with inurnment will be held at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro, Illinois, with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or the United Methodist Church of Murphysboro. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret E. "Midge" Graeff

August 17, 1937 - April 7, 2026