Graf family holds 61st annual family reunion

The 61st Graf family reunion was held the weekend of July 23-24 in Mt. Pleasant and Lockridge.

Saturday activities in Mt. Pleasant included scheduled times of hobby sharing and bingo with prizes at the beautiful Van Vorhies Haus, owned by family members Lea and Jerry Bradley and Kay and Larry Milks. A supper gathering was enjoyed at Jerry?s Pizza, followed by the ?Toby and Susie Show? at the fairgrounds.

Sunday events began with a 10:30 a.m. worship service at the Senior Center in Lockridge, followed by a potluck dinner and business meeting with 48 in attendance.

Awards were given to various family members including those who traveled farthest (California), the oldest family members present (90 and 88 years), and the youngest (age 6). Reunion events also included an open talent time, family announcements and reminiscing about past reunions.

It was noted that the first Graf Family Reunion was organized in July of 1950 by the late Lewis Everett Graf and his wife Viola of Fairfield. The traditional conclusion to the annual reunion was homemade ice cream served with flat wooden spoons, compliments of Roberta Mattson.

The 62nd reunion will be held the third weekend in July 2012, and family members look forward to activities planned by newly elected officers: Dr. Doug Francik, president, Kay Milks, vice president, Kathryn Hove, secretary, and Jane Graf, treasurer.