George Chip Graef Obituary - 2013

Added: Jul 02, 2018
From the Montrose Daily Press - 21 Aug 2013:

George “Chip” Graef, age 67, born Nov. 24, 1945, in Somerville, N.J., passed away Friday, Aug. 16, 2013.

Chip graduated from Somerville High School in 1965. After graduation, he received a scholarship to attend Baltimore Art School in Maryland. Shortly after, he was drafted as a pitcher by the Houston Astros baseball organization. In 1966, after injuring his pitching arm, Chip was persuaded by buddies into driving out to Iowa to attend Northwestern College in Orange City. While there, he met the love of his life, Cathy Moeller, and a year later, they were married.

Chip and Cathy raised their family in Colorado Springs, Colo. He quickly made a name for himself in the local softball league as “The King of Home Runs.” After retirement, Chip and Cathy moved to Montrose, Colo., to be close to their grandkids. Chip had enjoyed fishing since he was 5 years old; he was in “seventh heaven” when he moved to a house on the river in Montrose in 2003. His passion was attending the grandkids’ activities and sporting events, becoming a notable figure at Montrose sporting events.

Chip is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Shay Freeburg of Montrose and her children Kyle and Allie; son, Adam Graef of Denver, wife Angie and their son Camden; and former son-in-law, Jeff Freeburg and his parents James and Gisela Freeburg.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Schultz; father, George Graef II; and brother, Van E. Graef.

A memorial service will be held at the Crippin Funeral Home chapel, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Chip Graef’s memory to Montrose baseball; a donation box will be available at the memorial service. In celebration of Chip’s life, please wear your Montrose team apparel to the memorial service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory of Montrose.