Jason Robert Graap, age 26, of Merrill, passed away April 24, 2013 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born June 9, 1986 in Merrill to Robert “Bob” & Sandra (Gilson) Graap. He and Aneliese Schmidt were married April 13, 2013.
Jason entered the National Guard in November of 2003 as a wheeled mechanic. He served 2 tours in Iraq and reached the rank of Sergeant. Jason was honorably discharged in 2011. He was very proud of his military service. Jason was a 2004 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. He had worked at KFC-Taco Bell for 2 years and Wal-Mart for 5 years. Jason attended U.W. Marathon and transferred to NTC in the Business Supervisory/Management program. He was a member of AM-Vets and VFW Post 1638. Jason was technologically advanced with computers and enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling and driving his Mustang. He also loved history, hiking, traveling, going to concerts with friends, shooting guns with his dad and going to movies with his wife.
Survivors include his wife: Aneliese Graap, Merrill; parents: Bob & Sandy Graap, Merrill; brother: Ryan Duginski, Merrill; maternal grandparents: Ray & Phyllis Gilson, Irma; mother-in-law: Cindy Schmidt, Merrill; two sisters-in-law: Nanaka Sakurai, Los Angeles, CA and Carina Schmidt, Merrill; one brother-in-law: Vaughan Schmidt, Merrill; one niece: Arianna Degner, Merrill; one nephew: Daryan Degner, Merrill; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Brandon Duginski, father-in-law, Mark Schmidt, paternal grandparents, Harold & Barb Graap, an uncle, Brian Graap and an aunt, Theresa Graap.
VFW Services will be held 5 PM Friday, May 3, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-5 PM before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the family to designate as Jason directed. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.