Graves, George W.

George W. Graves, 81, of Iowa City, formerly of Davenport, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at Mercy Iowa City. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent through the web at .

George W. Graves was born Nov. 28, 1931, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Thaddeus T. and Flora B. (Kellogg) Graves. Shortly after his birth his mother died and his aunt and uncle, Pearl and John Schanke took him to raise in Sioux City. He attended schools there and enlisted in the United States Marines while living there. He served with honor during the Korean conflict. He was united in marriage to Barbara L. Mann on May 1, 1960, in Papillion, Neb. The couple moved to Davenport following their marriage where George worked at a number of jobs, including Oscar Meyer, Valley Produce and with the local cab company. In 2001 George and Barbara moved to Iowa City, to be nearer to family, and here he got a job at Mercy Hospital as one of the beloved parking attendants. George loved this job; he was one that would be a friend to everyone, his fellow employees, doctors, nurses, patients and their families. Everyone loved George and he loved everyone!

George was a proud veteran of the United States Marines, and earlier this year he was able to go to Washington D.C. along with his daughter, Patricia to see the sights, especially moving for him was the Korean Memorial. He not only was proud of his service to this great country, he was proud to be a St. Louis Cardinals Fan, an Iowa Hawkeye Fan and a member of the American Legion. But above all of this was his family, his greatest rank or title was “Dad and Grandpa.” George also enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino and his dog, Gracie!

His family includes a number of children including two daughters, Patricia Graves of Iowa City and Susan Batzkiel (Bob) of Lowden; many grandchildren, including Cory Kohler (Brittany); and many great-grandchildren, including Jordan Kohler; a special friend to both Barbara and him, Marilyn Heiser of Davenport; and of course, Gracie.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and Patricia's fiancee, Rick “Griff” Griffin.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for George's family and his services.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 12, 2012.