Fritz Graff passed from earth to heaven in the early morning hours of September 30, 2024, after a family time of worship and prayer. He had been experiencing health issues as a result of three strokes in 2023. He was 88 years old. He was born in Vallejo on April 30, 1936 to Royal and Gwendolyn Graff. He was joined by a sister, Desiree, five years later.

As he grew up in Vallejo, he spent a lot of time with his grandparents, his aunt and a few good friends. As a kid, he loved learning “magic tricks” and would play tricks and practical jokes on anyone he could, especially his family members. He went to the movies almost every weekend and enjoyed many of them again in his later years. He loved his chemistry set, which likely led him into his chosen profession as a chemical engineer. Fritz was an excellent student, graduating from Stanford University in 1957.

His career as a chemical engineer in the pulp and paper industry began in St. Helen’s, Oregon, where he met his first wife, Sharon Harrington. They were married in 1960. His work brought them to Camus, Wash., and then to Eureka in 1966 when the Crown Zellerbach pulp mill opened. Eventually, he became the environmental supervisor at Simpson Pulp Mill, where he worked until retirement. He and Sharon were active socially with friends in various groups, including a gourmet dinner club, the First Presbyterian Church and co-workers at the mill. They welcomed the joy of their life together, their daughter Robin, in 1969. Unfortunately, Sharon became ill and died from cancer in 1977. Later Fritz met Robin’s teacher, Kathy Adams, and they quickly fell in love and were married in 1979. Ten months later they delightfully welcomed baby Jenny to the family.

During their 46 years together, Fritz and Kathy were active in their daughters’ schools, enjoyed many weeks at the family cabin on the Mad River, took several vacations to Sunriver and experienced numerous joyful gatherings of extended family. Fritz’s quick wit and humor blessed us all.

Besides being a devoted family man, Fritz’s main focus was his relationship with God which spilled into every aspect of his life. Jesus was the center. People know him as a man of integrity, faith, wisdom, peace and stability. He devoted the majority of his life to serving God, leading small groups, and teaching Godly principles in living a Spirit filled life. Whether it was a class on a book of the Bible, or one on marriage, or finances, or prayer, or family life, his intent was to help people realize that God is alive, is for them, and loves them unconditionally.

Fritz and Kathy have been active in Faith Center Foursquare Church, Cursillo, and Coastline Foursquare Church, where they became assistant pastors. They moved to Newberg, Oregon in 2012, returning to Eureka a few months ago saying, “There’s no place like home!”

Fritz is survived by his much loved wife, Kathy; his cherished daughters, Robin Weir (Rob); and Jenny Fisher (Michael); his precious grandchildren, Emma Luken (Riley); Kaden Fisher, and Ellie Fisher; and his beloved sister, Desi Bean. Other relatives include: Laurie and Dennis McCollister, Rodger and Carol Adams, Steve and Linda Adams, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom greatly enriched his life.

An informal Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 27, at 2 p.m. at Coastline Foursquare Church (at Indianola Cutoff and Highway 101 next to the Chef Store). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Fritz’s memory to Coastline Church marked for the Samaritan’s Purse Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. (Coastline Foursquare Church, PO Box 317, Cutten, CA 95534)

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Fritz Graff’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.