Obituary of SIEGFRIED WILHELM GRAFE

SIEGFRIED WILHELM GRAFE It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Siegfried Wilhelm Grafe, age 78 years, who went to be with the LORD on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at St. Boniface Hospital surrounded by family. Sieg was born in Berlin on May 7, 1936, the oldest of two children of Maria and Wilhelm Grafe. Eager to serve the LORD, Sieg left Germany when 23 years old to study at Winnipeg Bible College (Providence). He was soon joined by Ursula (nee Gehrke) who became his wife and partner in ministry of 52 years. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts (U of M, 1968) and teachers training he left with his young family to serve God for thirty years in Africa with Africa Inland Mission. He left a legacy of faithful service teaching pastors, building libraries/bridges, preaching and sharing his love of music and Jesus. Life in the Congo fueled many stories about adventures on motorbike and big game hunting trips. Retiring in 2001 to Winnipeg he continued to serve God through visitation, church work, ministry to International students and continued involvement with an orphanage he started in Kenya. Music was the passion which fed his spirit and blessed the lives of those around him. Successfully completing grade 10 pipe organ, he shared his love of music through teaching and performing. Sieg was ordained in 1983 and completed a Masters of Theology in 1988. While enjoying the study of theology, Sieg also delighted in sharing the good news of Gods’ grace through Jesus Christ which he experienced in his own life. Left to mourn his passing are, his wife Ursula (nee Gehrke), children Peter (Heather) Grafe, Daniella (Tom) Penner, Judy-Ann (Roy) Friesen, Mark (Sandi) Grafe, 14 grandchildren, his brother Gerhard (Gisela) Grafe and three nieces. Sieg was predeceased by his mother (Maria Kurt). Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 8 from 6 – 8 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 205 Roseberry St, Wpg. Memorial service will be on Monday, February 9 at 1 pm at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd, Wpg with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Rays of Hope Ministries, Box 778, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0, www.Bethelraysofhope.com in Sieg’s memory.