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Donald L. Graper

1925 - 2025

Donald L. Graper obituary, 1925-2025, Wood River, NE

BORN

1925

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd St.

Grand Island, Nebraska

Donald Graper Obituary

Donald L. Graper

April 26, 1925 - July 25, 2025

Donald L. Graper, 100, of Wood River died on July 25, 2025 at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. Memorial services will be at 10 AM Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home Chapel with pastor Michael Koenig officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Donald was born on April 26, 1925 at Shelton, NE to Henry Ruby (Oliver) Graper. He grew up in Shelton and graduated from Shelton High School. He entered the Army Air Force on July 28, 1943 and served until he was honorably discharged on February 13, 1946. He was united in marriage to Shirley Visser on June 1, 1946 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wood River.

Don owned and operated Don's Repair Shop in Wood River and worked for many years in Gibbon at the Central Nebraska Coop. He served as the Mayor of Wood River for 16 years and also served as a past Chief of the Fire Department.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Deanna (Marvin) Serr of Kearney and Donna Myers of Grand Island; nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son, Larry Graper.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Jul. 29, 2025.

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Memorial Events
for Donald Graper

Jul

31

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Central Nebraska Veterans Home Chapel

4109 West 2nd Street, Kearney, NE 68845

Funeral services provided by:

Apfel Funeral Home - Grand Island

1123 West 2nd St., Grand Island, NE 68801

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