Elmer James Graeff

Elmer J. Graeff, 88, of Hamburg, passed away on September 12, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Tilden Township and was the son of the late Wilson and Sallie (Wagner) Graeff.

Elmer attended Hamburg Area High School.

He married Jean Lechleitner, the love of his life, on June 25th, 1961. They lived in the house they built together for 61 years.

Elmer worked as a welder for Reading Body Works before retiring in 1996. Previously he worked at Benders Bakery for 16 years. Because Elmer had a passion for working with his hands (rebuilding anything he could find that was broken, rewiring any electronic item that needed attention or repairing any leak he would find) after retiring he went on to work at GS Realty with his daughters rehabbing homes. He worked with his daughters until he was critically injured in a tractor accident that the Doctors mentioned numerous times should have taken his life. Due to the help of the community that rendered aid at the scene, the Reading Hospital and the love of his family Elmer survived. However, shortly after recovery he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which he courageously battled for the past 12 years.

Elmer also had a passion for classical music and traveling. He enjoyed these activities so much he made a pilgrimage to Germany, Austria and Switzerland to visit the graves of Hayden, Schubert, Beethoven, Strauss and Mozart among others.

Elmer is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Graeff, his two loving daughters, Marilyn Graeff Hoffman, and Cathy Graeff wife of Teresa Cloman.

He was predeceased by his six brothers: Wilson Graeff, Oscar Graeff, Kenneth Graeff, Ellis Graeff, Robert Graeff, Charlie Graeff and his one sister, Dorothy (Graeff) Bender.

The visitation will be held Saturday, September 24th from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service 3:30 p.m. at Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, 40 S. 4th Street, Hamburg, PA. with interment to follow at Salem U. B. Church Cemetery, Tilden Township.

Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Hamburg is honored to serve the Graeff family. Condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.