White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Glenn Edwin DeGraff, 70 years old, of rural Independence, Iowa, died on Sunday, August 5, 2012, at the Buchanan County Health Center following a sudden illness.  He was born on April 19, 1942, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of James J. and Abbie H. (Barehead) DeGraff.  He graduated from high school in Harvey, Illinois, and then earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees in engineering and mathematics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Mr. DeGraff married the former Karen Jean Jamie in June of 1962 in Chicago, Illinois.  They were later divorced.  He and the former Vicki Marie Beatty were married in 1978 in South Holland, Illinois.  They also later divorced.  On December 22, 2004, he and the former Beryl A. Freyer were married in Independence, Iowa.  Mr. DeGraff helped on his family’s farm until 1976 and then began his teaching career at Purdue University, and later, at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois.  He taught engineering and computer programming.  He retired in 2002.  Mr. DeGraff enjoyed spending time with his family.  He also was a railroad enthusiast.  He collected model trains, was knowledgeable about commercial railroad companies, and subscribed to several railroad magazines.

Mr. DeGraff is survived by his wife, Beryl, 1 son, Dirk (Michele) DeGraff of Crown Point, Indiana, 5 grandchildren, Gina Ostrowski, Tori Stratton, Caitlyn Stratton, Cory DeGraff, and Casey DeGraff, 6 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 step great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Robert (Carolyn) DeGraff of Naperville, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 daughter, Jamie Lynn Stratton, and 1 brother, James L. DeGraff.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2012, at the White Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa, with Rev. Kevin Jennings officiating.  Friends may call for visitation from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 8^th, at the funeral home.