Eileen Graff

Eileen E. Graff, 92, of Bismarck, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Baptist Health and Rehab.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 23, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. The family will greet guests one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. 

Eileen was born on June 26, 1932, in Napoleon, ND to Christian and Lydia (Himmerich) Oberlander. She grew up on a farm near Napoleon with her nine brothers and sisters. In 1948, the family moved from the farm to Napoleon.

Eileen married Adam T. Graff in Napoleon on November 20, 1950. Shortly after their marriage, Adam enlisted in the military and the couple moved to Camp Rucker, AL. Following Adam’s discharge from the military, they returned to the Napoleon area where the couple farmed and started growing their family. In 1961, they moved to Bismarck with their seven young children.

When the Holiday Inn, located near the Memorial Bridge, opened in 1962, Eileen was one of their first employees and quite possibly one of the longest. During her career with the “Inn” she served in several different capacities. She was an exceptionally hard worker throughout her lifetime.

Eileen was known for her bread and bun baking (family members jokingly said “she has the best buns in Bismarck”). She was an excellent cook and could whip up the German favorites like dumplings, strudla, and kuchen in no time. She even taught several of her grandchildren how to make the family favorites.

Eileen had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious smile. She had quick wit and was often referred to as a “fun lovin’ gal”. She traveled extensively during her lifetime; her favorite locations were Thailand and Egypt, and she was always up for an adventure. She was never afraid to try something new.

Eileen’s spirit will live on through her children, Clyde (Cindy) Graff, Larry (Sheila) Graff, Gloria (Jerry) Swang, Audrey Beastrom (Mike Severson), Pam Graff (Ron Sheehan), and Vicki Graff; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Adeline Moser, Frances Aberle, and Donna (Alfred) Adam; brother, Curtis (Helen) Oberlander; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam; son, Keith; son-in-law, Paul Gerrior; grandsons, Eric Graff, and Cuyler Graff; her parents; brothers, Arthur, Raymond, and Robert; and sisters, Luella, and Lucille Scott.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Baptist Health and Rehab for the wonderful care they provided to Eileen during her stay with them and to the Hospice of Red River Valley for their care and compassion these past few months. The family appreciates all you do.