DeWayne Graber: 1938-2023

DeWayne Graber, 84, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on February 4 at the Oakview Terrace in Freeman. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Bethany Mennonite Church in Freeman.

DeWayne Larry Graber was born on March 23, 1938, to Albert and Mabel (Gering) Graber. DeWayne and his siblings, Lawrence, Terry, and Sharon, all grew up in Freeman on the family farm.

He was a devoted member of the Mennonite faith his entire life.

DeWayne graduated from Freeman Academy in 1956. On Dec. 26, 1964, he married Kathy Herrboldt in Freeman; they were married for 58 years.

DeWayne proudly worked as a printer in the family business for 38 years at Pine Hill Printery. After retiring from printing, DeWayne worked many years at Huber Motor, where he enjoyed going on wrecker calls to help people in need. He also filled some of his retirement time working for Smidt Furniture and Appliance.

Besides having a full life in his chosen careers, DeWayne’s greatest joy was restoring antique tractors and attending tractor shows, where he was known for his Avery tractor. He also liked to tinker with other small engines, including his fleet of 18 lawnmowers. DeWayne was kept very busy tilling gardens and mowing lawns.

Grateful for having shared his life are: wife Kathy of Freeman; brother Terry (Chris) Graber of Newton, Kan.; sister Sharon (Herb Jr.) Koerner of Freeman; brother- and sister-in-law Dan (Loy) Herrboldt of Freeman; sister-in-law MaryAnn Herrboldt of Spearfish, S.D.; nephews and nieces: Monty (Hope) Graber; Allison (Julius Salas) Graber; Herbie (Alexa) Koerner III; Amy (Michael) Pankratz; Dean (Tina) Herrboldt; Gwen (Michael Curran) Herrboldt; Brent (April) Herrboldt; Jeremy (Melissa) Herrboldt; Adam (Zora) Herrboldt; and Burgandy (Jake) Rempfer; along with a host of great-nephews and nieces.

DeWayne was preceded in death by his parents; brother Lawrence; parents-in-law Filmore and Verna Herrboldt; and brother-in-law Dennis Herrboldt.