Gerald W. "Benny" Graff

Gerald W. “Benny” Graff

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Gerald "Benny" Graff, age 81, at his home in Wheeler, WI, on Friday November 28, 2025 with his wife, Brenda by his side.

Benny was born on June 1, 1944, in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Wilson High School. Benny was truly one of a kind, he made friends everywhere he went. He was outspoken, quick-witted, sarcastic, a great historian, and undeniably funny. Good with his hands, he could turn someone else’s trash into his own treasure. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need and never expected anything in return.

His love for animals was always returned with their affection for him. He happily shared a White Castle hamburger or a cookie with one of his beloved dogs on a casual drive to the recycle center or on a road trip to pick up another “win” at the auction. He could fix just about anything, or he would “Jerry-rig” it.

Nothing delighted him more than spoiling his great-grandkids with a pedal tractor or a Mercedes-Benz that had been abandoned at the “dump.” Every summer, he loved spending time with them at the county fair, proudly cheering them on as they rode their horses and showed their many animals in the extreme heat. As a reward, they would let him join them on a never-ending merry-go-round ride.

He will be deeply missed.

Benny is survived by the love of his life, Brenda; his children, Tom (Denise) Graff, Jess (Mike) Carpenter, and Tim Graff; and his grandchildren, Brandyn (Emilie) Graff, Brittani (Tommy) Clymer, Skylar, Hailey, Addison Carpenter, Mia (Tyler) Langworthy, and Krista (Osng) Kwon. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Hayden, George, Soren, Rune, Samuel, and a baby boy on the way; his siblings, Carol Spescha, Marge (Dan) Bona, and Rich (Barb) Graff; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey Graff and his brother-in-law Larry Spescha.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com