Tony was born on February 25, 1945, to Victor and Lena (Grahmann) Grafe in Hallettsville, Texas. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School and Victoria Jr. College where he studied engineering. He moved to Columbus in 1968.

Tony is survived by his wife Diane (Polasek) Grafe; stepdaughter Jaimie Rutherford of Columbus; daughter-in-law Melanie Grafe of New Ulm; grandsons Lucas, Landon, and Layne Grafe of New Ulm; sisters Dorothy Bujnoch of Hallettsville and Sister Emiliana

■ GRAFE, 13 Grafe of Victoria; brother David Grafe and wife Pam of Rosenburg; sister-inlaw Mary Rose Grafe of Columbia, Missouri; five nieces, four nephews, and numerous great and greatgreat nieces and nephews. He was known as Uncle Tony to many, and he loved them all.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Lena Grafe; his sons Darrell and Keith Grafe; stepdaughter Jennifer Friedel; brother Ervin Grave; grandson LJ Friedel; brother-in-law George Bujnoch.

Tony worked for Drymalla Construction for 14 years in several different areas. He worked for Columbus Glass for the next 5 years. He then designed and built “Hickory Hill” which he owned and operated for 12 years. His Hickory Hill burgers and barbeque were a local favorite.

Tony was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He joined the KC’s 1970 and served as Grand Knight of KC Council #2891.

He served in the Texas National Guard. Tony was actively involved with St Anthony’s and Bishop Forest Catholic Schools parent associations. He was a member of Faith and Freedom Coalition and a lifetime NRA member.

Tony loved people and family always came first. He was very proud of his family and his German heritage.

He loved games and was very competitive. He played softball, volleyball, bowling, horseshoes, and cornhole. A Grafe gathering always involved board games, card games, dominoes and more.

There was always lots of laughter and often some good healthy debates at those get-togethers. Upon retiring, Tony spent most of his time outdoors. He loved landscaping and maintaining the yard at “frogpond” and always had a bountiful garden.

Tony lived a full and meaningful life. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be missed every day.

Visitation was Monday, April 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home. A rosary followed at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral service was Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg. Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiated.

Pallbearers were Lucas Grafe, Dennis Murphy, Kenneth Bujnoch, Brad Kollaja, Michael Grafe, and Patrick Grafe. Honorary pallbearers were Landon Grafe and Layne Grafe.

Memorials may be given to Keith Grafe Playground Fund @ St. Anthony Catholic School, 635 Bonham St., Columbus, TX 78934 or Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Ln., New Ulm, TX 78950.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.