Lonnie Graber

Lonnie Graber, 91, of Freeman, passed away on February 23rd, at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. Funeral Services will be Monday March 2nd, at 10:30 am, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. Visitation will be Sunday, March 1st, from 5-7 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Lonnie Merlin Graber was born October 11, 1934 in Freeman, SD to Harry and Laura Anna Rosina (Baer) Graber. He passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman.

Lonnie was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Day School in Freeman and graduated from Freeman High School in 1952. After high school he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany.

Lonnie married Doris Kollars on November 19, 1954 in Yankton, SD. They were blessed with two children, Todd And Teresa.

After retuning from Germany, Lonnie attended Barber College in Sioux City IA. They came back to make their home in Freeman. Lonnie worked at Bill Wilde’s barbershop before starting his own shop. After many years barbering in Freeman the family moved to Safford, AZ for two years. After retuning to Freeman, he worked at Laber’s Meat Market and then became an Insurance Agent for Modern Woodmen of America. He was also a substitute mail carrier for several years.

Lonnie was a life long Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs and LA Lakers fan. He loved visiting with people, whether old friends or making new friends. He also found joy in canning, cooking and baking for others. He loved to share his peach pies, kuchen, cookies and peanut butter balls with those dear to him. His coffee crew was very special to him and he looked forward to his time at Total Stop.

Dad took on the role of caretaker for Mom as her rheumatoid arthritis and subsequent kidney failure became harder for her to manage. One of his favorite roles was being a grandparent. He treasured his time with each of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attended their activities until he was no longer able to.

Grateful for sharing his life are his son Todd (Janet) of Freeman, daughter Teresa (Earl) Neuharth of Menno. Grandchildren Micah Graber of Freeman, Tyler (Kiley) Graber of Olympia WA, Lindsey (Lance) Edwards of Freeman, Michael (Jodi) Neuharth of Olivet, and Michelle (Jayden) Kettwig of Parker. Great grandchildren McKenna and Kolsyn Kettwig, Sloan Edwards, and Harper Neuharth. A sister Deanna Curtis of Hurley, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Doris in 2001, brother Larry Graber, brothers-in-law Keith Curtis, Duane Kollars, Lyle Kollars, Floyd Kollars, Merle Lee and Tom Torstenson. Sisters-in-law Darlene Lee, Dorothy Torstenson, Joyce Kollars and Pat Graber.

The family would like to thank the staff a Oakview Terrace and the Avera Hospice Team for their special kindness, concern, patience and the care given to Dad. And also, a special thank you to Danielle Heiberger.