Erling Graff, 96, of Devils Lake, ND,  and formerly of  Starkweather, ND passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church  of Devils Lake, ND. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Devils Lake and also on Monday for an hour before services at the church. Interment will be in the spring at the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Cemetery in Starkweather.

Erling M. Graff was born June 23, 1914 to John and Inga (Anderson) Graff on the family farm in rural Starkweather. Erling attended country school. At the age of 18, he and his siblings became orphans. During this time, he lived with relatives and worked for his room and board. In the late 1930's, Erling worked for Martin Erickson where he met his future wife Irene Elftman, who was cooking in the cook car. Erling and Irene were married September 20, 1939 at the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather. 

After they married, they farmed in the Starkweather-Hampden area for 33 years and raised their two daughters. In 1971, they moved to Starkweather.  Erling worked for area farmers.  He also worked at the GTA Elevator for eight years before retiring in 1982.  After retirement, Erling worked for the city of Starkweather and did janitorial work at the Methodist Church and Starkweather park building.  Irene passed away on August 15, 2000.  Erling moved to Devils Lake in July 2004, where he lived a short time at Park Place One and The Odd Fellows Home.  He became a resident of The Good Samaritan Home on October 31, 2007.  He was a resident of Ramsey County his entire life.

Erling was a hardworking man of few words with the patience Job.   He loved to have company and go visiting, but preferred to be a good listener.  He was always very interested in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, which included many games of checkers, Candy Land and cards.  He could also be counted on to fix bicycle tires and broken bicycle chains, which he did many, many times.

Erling was a baptized and confirmed member of the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather and later a member of the Hampden, Starkweather and Devils Lake Methodist churches where he served on several church boards.  He also served on the Royal #3 School Board and was a very active member of the Starkweather Senior Citizens where he enjoyed playing Rook.

Erling and Irene enjoyed traveling after retirement and he also enjoyed Zane Grey books and TV Westerns.  He was a proud Norwegian who led a simple life.  He was a wonderful dad, grandpa, uncle and friend and will be deeply missed.

Erling is survived by two daughters: Janice (James) Olson of Dunnellon, FL and Joyce Carter of Devils Lake; four grandchildren: Lisa Townsend, Jennifer (Andy) McConnell, Marc (Jill) Carter and Susan Taylor (Adam Holden); and five great-grandchildren: Tanner and Tucker Williams, Elliot Taylor, and Ryan and Paige Carter, and a special niece who lived with them for years: Ellen (Richard) Myrick and son Matthew of Grand Forks.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and several cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Irene; son-in-law: Marvin Carter; great-grandson: Ross Carter; and siblings: John, Agnes, Helen and Ruth.