Hershel Lynn Graber, 72, of Loogootee, IN went home to be with his Lord June 21, 2021, after a yearlong valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife Karen and other family and friends at the time of his passing. Hershel was born November 19, 1948, to John “Ervin” Graber and Martha Mae (Slaubaugh) Graber. He married Betty Jean (Stoll) in 1968, they raised two sons together in Loogootee, IN. They later divorced. He married Karen (Risk) August 31, 2002. They worshipped at Harvest Community Fellowship in Washington, IN.
Hershel was the fifth of eleven children. He grew up on a dairy farm near Loogootee, IN. He graduated from Barr-Reeve High School in 1967. Following graduation he worked at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN for 2 years in the 1-W Service to fulfill his military requirements. The hospital offered him a job managing medical supplies for the entire hospital, but he decided to go into partnership with his father and brother Keith on the dairy farm. After 10 years he farmed on his own raising grain and livestock.
In 1995 Hershel and his son Brian started Graber Insealators, a foam insulation business. He was a pioneer to bring this service to the southern Indiana/Kentucky area. He attended a lot of trade shows to educate the public about foam insulation. The business grew and expanded to the Louisville area. Hershel trained and mentored his employees and treated them like family. In September 2018 he sold the business and worked under the new ownership as a salesman for 2+ years.
Hersh enjoyed the water. He and Karen and the grandchildren spent a lot of time on Bogg’s Lake, skiing, jet skiing, swimming, boating, and fishing. He recently competed in antique tractor pulling with his Allis -Chalmers WD-45 tractor, winning many of his events.
Hershel had an unwavering faith in God which he shared with those who surrounded him. Hershel was reunited in Heaven with his parents J. Ervin & Martha Graber, Brothers Nathan Graber, Curt Graber, sister-in-law Carol (Knepp) Graber, brothers-in-law Dan Weare, Harold Johnson, Dave Green, & niece Camilla (Graber) Lengacher.
Hershel is survived by his wife Karen, sons Brian (Melissa) Graber, Kevin (Darby) Graber, seven grandchildren Jakob Graber, James (Katrina) Graber, Jayce Graber, Jordan (fiancé’ Chrystina Kidwell), Joshua (Brittany) Graber, Jaleena Graber, and Janae Graber, four great grandchildren Libby, Akron, Bricklynn, and Parker. Siblings Glenda Weare, Keith (Gwen) Graber, Violet & Nelson Gusler, Perry (Diane) Graber, Nadine Johnson, Velda Green, Marlin (Debbie) Graber, Marjean & Darrel Swartzentruber. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Providence Mennonite Church Fellowship Hall in Montgomery, IN. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 5, 2021, at Providence Mennonite Church. There will be a graveside service for close family and friends at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Hershel’s life at 11:00 a.m. A fellowship meal for all will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cup of Joy Project in Louisville, Kentucky, a favorite ministry of Hershel’s. Esther Lyon is the founder of The Haven Ministries and Cup of Joy Project, whom Hershel met while working in Louisville. The Haven Ministries or Cup of Joy buys old bars and turns them into coffee shops/cafes, homes for women. They feed the homeless, minister to the neighborhood, and help those with addictions. They help people obtain their GED’s, with legal matters, and life skills. This organization became very dear to Hershel. The upcoming building is being dedicated to Hershel for all this help and support. Checks may be payable to: The Haven Ministries or Cup of Joy, 2415 Portland Ave., Louisville, KY 40212. Phone is 502-612-5214. Find on Facebook, “Cup of Joy Project.” Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.
Blake & Wagler Funeral Home in Montgomery is honored to serve the family of Hershel Graber
