Emory Raymond Graffis

Emory Raymond Graffis, 75, of Sioux City passed Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at his residence. He had faced the diagnosis of cancer, made in 2018, with determination and extreme toughness.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 6, 2022 St. Mark Lutheran Church with Reverend David Halaas officiating. Visitation with the family present will be Sunday, June 5, 2022 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Emory was born November 16, 1946, in Wayne, Nebraska, the son of Raymond and Edith (Kastrup) Graffis. He graduated from high school in Laurel, NE in 1964. Emory married Karen Anderson in 1965 in Laurel, NE. The couple divorced in 1976. Emory married Linda Thompson on June 22, 1991 in Sioux City.

Emory worked for the Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company. He served the members of NNTC for 50 years starting in 1964. His career took him from maintaining overhead lines to General Manager in 1978. He was instrumental in starting the Internet and Cable TV Operations. He served on the Board of the Nebraska Telephone Association and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Nebraska Link. He retired in 2014.

Emory loved being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed hiking in the mountains and other natural areas. His love of the outdoors took him on many ski trips and adventures riding his Harley. Taking care of his and Linda’s homestead, planting trees, and feeding birds held a special place in his heart. He was an accomplished wood carver and member of the Northwest Iowa Woodcarvers. He was a member of Sierra Club and St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife Linda Thompson of Sioux City; children: Todd (Teresa) Graffis of Meridian, ID, Traci (Dale) Trampe of Sioux City, Courtney (Nick) Grindrod of Salt Lake City, UT, and Kelsey Graffis of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren: Christi (Buck) Bradford, Josh (Danielle) Graffis, Jordan Trampe, Jenna Trampe, and Elena Grindrod; five great grandchildren; siblings: Ken Graffis of Summerville, SC, Alan Graffis (Donna Dyer) of Paris, IL, and Arlyce Graffis of Laurel, NE, and step-brother Adrian Scholz of Hardington, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

Emory was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Alice Graffis, and one nephew.

In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting memorials be given to St Mark Lutheran Church (to be designated for youth camp and travels), Hospice, June Nylen Cancer Center or to plant a tree in his memory.