Jean Graap, age 81, of Merrill, died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Jean was born on Feb. 18, 1932, in Antigo, daughter of Clarence and Helen (Hurning) McElhaney. She was married to Charles L. Graap who preceded her in death in 2006.
Jean owned and operated Jean’s Beauty Salon, Jean’s Ceramics, and Jean’s Craft Corner. Jean was a member of Hillside Fellowship Church, Merrill. She drove for Eldershare for many years. Jean loved to cook and bake, camping, stopping at rummage sales, and sewing and making things for her family and friends at Pine Crest Nursing Home. She loved animals. Her favorite television show was “Animal Planet.” She always said that was the only show worth watching. If anyone needed any help with anything, Jean was always there to help anyone who needed it. After moving to Pine Crest, the things most important to her were visits from family and friends or just a phone call. Jean wants to thank everyone for their visits, calls, and gifts.
Survivors include one daughter, Sandy (David) Sherfinski, of Merrill; six sons, Kim Graap, Tod Graap, and Jay Graap, all of Merrill, Guy (JoAnn) McElhaney, of Wausau, Keith (Ruth) McElhaney, of Wausau, and Vern (Kathy) McElhaney, of Weston; 13 grandchildren, Jody (Tammy) Sherfinski, Heidi (Randy) Noland, Billie Joe (Scott) Smith, Charlie Graap (Samantha Korhnhorst), Thomas Graap, all of Merrill, Amy Jo Graap, of Milwaukee, and Ashley Graap (Joey Sabatke), of Merrill, Curtis, Hollie, Angela, Keri, Sarah, and Emily; 15 great-grandchildren, Mitch and Austin Sherfinski, Nick Noland, Dylon and Payton Smith, Landon, Charles and Adalyn Jean Graap, Zoey Sabatke, Claire, Brynn, Isla, Colin, Declan, and Gavin; one brother, Marvin (Virginia) McElhaney, of Wausau; and several nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. The Rev. Allen J. Worlin will officiate. Private burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.