Dorothy M. Graf
December 18, 1930 ~ September 23, 2025
Dorothy’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Dorothy Graf, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Dorothy was born on December 18, 1930 in Dawson, North Dakota, the daughter of Josiah and Edith (Wollcott) Long. She attended school in Dawson and was a proud member of her high school’s championship basketball team.
On September 3, 1947 Dorothy was united in marriage to Delmar “Gene” Graf. They made their home in Fargo, ND. Together she and Gene built a cabin on Leek Lake in Minnesota, where they spent many happy summers making memories with their children. In retirement she and Gene enjoyed country living on a hobby farm near Davenport, ND, where they raised animals, tended gardens, and embraced rural life.
A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was the heart of her family and home. She dedicated her life to raising her five children with unwavering love, grace and strength. A lifelong homemaker, she found joy in the everyday rhythms of home and family.
She was a talented knitter and crocheter whose delicate doilies and cozy afghans warmed countless homes and hearts. Her hands were rarely still – always creating something beautiful and made with love. An avid gardener, her yard was a sanctuary of blooms and beauty. Her garden was featured in the Soroptimist Garden Tour, a proud moment that reflected her care and creativity.
Dorothy is survived by four children Neil (Candice) Graf, Delgene (Paul) Hornbacher, Reid (Carol) Graf and Ivy (Jeffrey) Samson; sisters, Carrol Bauske and Joy (Tony) Cumber; and brother Joel (Linda) Long; sister-in-law Shirley (Don) Welch; and nine grandchildren, Nathan Graf, Shane (Stephanie) Hornbacher, Krista Hanse, Karl Waxlax, Courtney (Mathew) Sletten, Tanya (Cody) Robideau, Amy (Kevin) Websbur, Devin (Monica) Graf, and Brooke Maatz; and eight great grandchildren.
Reunited in heaven with, husband Gene; son Ross; sisters Ethel Nunn and Vera Goodrow; and brothers Al and Dean Long.
A celebration of life to honor Dorothy will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to plant something beautiful in her memory or make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Services
Visitation - Saturday: Saturday, September 27, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Saturday: Saturday, September 27, 2025 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dorothy M. Graf 's name.
My heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your mom, Dorothy. Peace and blessings to you in the days ahead. Sherri
Dear Graf Family,
I am sorry to learn of Dorothy”s passing. Living next door to the Graf family on Leek Lake was a real adventure. I have many fond memories of swimming, fishing, water skiing and barbecuing together. I sure miss those times.
Respectfully,
Michael and Marvyl Grinney
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Rebecca (Long) Adcox
Palmyra, Missouri
Our sympathy on the loss of your mother/grandmother. She sounds like a wonderful person.
Bonnie Kavanaugh and Jim Field, Fargo
Delgene and family,
So sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful lady who will be missed by her family and her friends. But what a rejoicing in heaven, Dorothy has come home to be with her heavenly father.
Ivy, we are thinking if you with great sympathy- and love that Dorothy played basketball! Our hearts are with you and your family, dear friend. Love, ardie and Kristin
So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I worked with Dorothy for American Greetings and have so many fond memories of those times. I still have the beautiful crocheted items which she gifted me. My deepest sympathy to all her family!
Sister. You will be missed so much. You were always there for me when I was at NDSU, I had coffee with you almost every day. I am happy we got to visit with you in Dawson before it got too difficult to travel. God bless you and your lovely family. Brother Joel and wife Linda