Tyler Michael Graff, age 31, went to be with the Lord and his Grandpa Vic on Monday, February 22, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Tyler was born a fighter, October 17, 1984 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Gary & Sherry (Silvey) Graff, with a rare birth defect called Omphalocele, spending his first 100 days of his young life in Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. Following eleven operations he returned home to the family farm near Marienthal, Kansas. Tyler attended St. Mary Grade School, where he was the Wichita County Spelling Bee Champion, attended St. Mary Religion Class and enjoyed showing his hogs through 4-H. He graduated from Wichita County High School in 2003 and from Colby Community College in 2005 with a degree in Farm Management, returning to the family farm to do what he loved most, helping his dad and grandfather. He loved his Peterbuilt trucks, picking corn, cutting silage and driving the cutter and sprayer. He was always ready for the next harvest. Tyler didn’t know a stranger and loved to help out in any way he could. He had many friends he considered family, and together they enjoyed racing cars, 4-wheeling and just being together. He had a way with people, stopping to hear or tell a story and to have a laugh. He coached baseball and basketball for Wichita County Parks and Recreation, was an assistant basketball coach for Wichita County High and Junior High Schools, trying to bring out each players individual strengths. Tyler loved the Kansas State Wildcat Football and attended games every fall.
Tyler was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas where he was a 3rd & 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an active Leoti Volunteer Fireman, Kansas Farm Bureau board member and the Wichita County Amusement Association. He death was unexpected and the loss has left a huge hole in our lives. We will miss his mischievous ways, his zest for life and his gentle soul.
On December 13, 2014 he married Ashley Konda at Spearville, Kansas.
Tyler’s surviving family includes
His wife-
Ashley Graff- Leoti, Kansas
Parents-
Gary & Sherry Graff- Marienthal, Kansas
Two siblings-
Tucker Graff- Manhattan, Kansas
Trinity Graff- Salina, Kansas
Grandparents-
Roberta Graff- Leoti, Kansas
Larry & Carol Silvey- Akron, Colorado
Numerous aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins and friends.
His grandfather, Victor Graff precedes him in death.
Vigil services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas. Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marienthal, Kansas with Father Benjamin Martin officiating. Burial will be next to his grandfather in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas. Memorials may be given to Wichita County Amusement Association, Leoti Volunteer Fire Department or Wichita County Parks and Recreation in care of the funeral home. Friends may call from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.
