Philip John Grahl of Eden, went to be with the Lord, on November 15, 2025.
He was born on April 21, 1935, the oldest son of the late John and Margaret (Pfeiffer) Grahl.
On June 3, 1960, he married the love of his life, Sigrid G. Gerber, at the Assembly of God Church, Fond du Lac.
He attended the one-room school house in Eden while working with his father, and brothers as they came along, on the family farm. Those early experiences created a life-long love of cattle and the land.
He joined the Army on January 8, 1958, during the Cold War. He was mobilized overseas to Germany where he was assigned to border patrol which moved along the then Czechoslovakian border.
It was in Straubing, Germany, at the end of his overseas tour, where he fell in love with his soon-to-be German bride, Sigrid. He knew she was “the one” because six months after their first meeting they were married. 65 years of marriage later, they still kissed and hugged one another good-bye, even if it was just a short trip to town. He always called her ‘Darling’ and never missed an opportunity to give her a loving message in a card.
While his military service was a highlight of his life, he loved farming and did so past the age of 72. Being a dairy farmer, there were always things to fix! Often, he would find unique solutions to repair problems – he loved it!! The knack for fixing turned into a hobby of remodeling properties. He would often work all day on the farm and then work late into the night on a rental property.
His second great passion was traveling! He went on over 15 trips to Europe exploring places from England to Italy. Germany remained his favorite place to visit. One of his most memorable trips was visiting the battlefields and cemeteries of WWII. As an avid reader, biographies of WWII heroes were always within arm’s reach. Perhaps that’s what kept him interested in political events of the day. He religiously watched the 5pm World News.
I don’t remember my father ever having much more than $20 in his wallet. Being frugal meant that scrap wood was never thrown away – regardless of where it came from. Many was the day that he would be outside, cutting down pieces of lumber to take to the Eden blacksmith shop. That same attitude extended to his pick-up trucks. He drove them until the duck tape he frequently painted over, stopped holding the fenders on!!
Outside of farming and fixing things, Pop played the trumpet. He took pride and pleasure in being in the church orchestra and playing duets with his son, Wayne. He was a member of the Assembly of God church from infancy until about five years ago when he began attending the Spirit of Life Church in Fond du Lac with his son, John. If there was a position one could hold in a church – he held it! His many years as a Sunday School teacher developed a depth and faith in his Love for the Lord. I would often find him reading the Bible in the early morning hours or when I’d come into the house. As a prayer warrior, I found a prayer he wrote in his Bible asking the Lord to extend His healing hand to those around him. Our Father was a man of peace. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sigrid of Eden; his son, John, and wife, Tami, of Eden; his daughter, Ingrid, of Fond du Lac; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; his youngest brother, Timothy, and wife, Annette; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are his parents, John and Margaret; brother, Daniel and wife, Karen; his youngest son, Wayne; and his oldest daughter, Pam and her husband, Jerry Faeh.
Special thanks to Almost Family and Home Helpers for their diligence and thoughtful care, and Police, First Responders staff at the Red Cabin at Green Acres for their professionalism and kindness.
Services have taken place.
Kurki Funeral Chapel & Crematory is serving the family, on-line guestbook can be found at www.kurkifuneralchapel.com. 920-921-4420
