Service Information
Ronald J. McGraw, age 79, of Hutchinson, Minnesota passed away on Monday, June, 20, 2016, at his home in Hutchinson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment at St. Anastasia Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be Friday, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and will continue Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Prayer Service will be Friday, at 7:45 P.M., all at St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Memorials Preferred.
Arrangements are with the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Online Guest Book available at hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
Obituary
Ronald Joseph (“RJ”) McGraw was born on January 14, 1937, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Ray and Evelyn (Provo) McGraw. RJ graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1955, where he was inducted into the first class of the National Honor Society and was named Senior Athlete of the Year for his prowess in football, basketball, baseball and track! RJ was an avid fan for which he was selected as a Founding Member of the Hutchinson High School “Wall of Fame” in 2010. RJ graduated from the College of St. Thomas in 1959 and from William Mitchell School of Law in 1964.
RJ and Kathleen (Alfveby) were married on October 24, 1959, at St. Vincent’s Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with five children, Patty, Michael, Patrick, Sean and Shannon. RJ and Kathleen resided in St. Paul before returning to Hutchinson in 1964, where they proudly raised their children and shared 56 years of marriage.
RJ was a faithful husband, an amazing father, a committed lawyer, and someone who gave his whole heart to better the community he called home. He worked many jobs in his early years before settling into his law practice. While attending college, he spent summers driving Holsom Bread routes, and loading trucks for Gold Medal Beverage. RJ was a middle school teacher and a championship winning coach at Holy Family and St. Jerome’s Catholic Schools for 6 years.
He started practicing law with Donald O. Comer in 1964 and worked with him until 1967 when he opened the RJ McGraw Law Office and practiced law there until moments before he died when he heard the news that he won a case he had been working on for over a year. RJ loved serving the underdogs and fighting for those who were in danger of being taken advantage of by others. He enjoyed receiving bonuses such as kolaches in appreciation for his generous efforts.
RJ served the community in countless ways – as a Municipal Judge, Board Member for the Hutchinson School District #423, McLeod County Fair Board, St. Anastasia Catholic Church Parish Council and the McLeod County Historical Society, where he was a lifelong supporter. He was a founding member of the Hutchinson Community Development Corporation and the Hutchinson Tennis and Basketball Associations. RJ was awarded the honor of Mr. Hutchison in 1998. After working many years for and with his brother Mark flipping burgers and burning onions at the McLeod County Fair, RJ took over as the “gatekeeper” at the Fair for over 20 years before passing the torch to his granddaughter Kaitlin.
RJ was also tireless coach, advocate and mentor for youth in Hutchinson and beyond. He loved coaching football, basketball, and tennis at all levels. His protégées will never forget his “triangle offenses” or his high expectations. He loved reading “in character” to young kids at the Hutchinson Public library. He also enjoyed teaching and tutoring hundreds of middle school and high school students, helping them to cultivate their gifts so they could use them to serve others.
Most of all he cherished his time spent with his family and friends. RJ loved life and lived it to the full every moment. He passed away peacefully on Monday, June 20, 2016, surrounded by his family at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 79 years.
His great sense of humor, one-liners and the twinkle in his eyes will be dearly missed; blessed be his memory.
RJ is survived by his:
Loving wife Kathleen,
Children, Patty Kouatli and her husband, Omar of Edina, MN,
Michael McGraw and his wife Karla, of Hutchinson, MN,
Patrick McGraw of Minneapolis, MN,
Fr. Sean McGraw, CSC of Notre Dame, IN,
Shannon Klaers and her husband, Mark of St. Louis Park, MN;
Grandchildren, Claire Kouatli, Kate Kouatli, Kaitlin May and her husband, Michael, Nora McGraw, Riley McGraw, Conor Klaers, Ryan Klaers, Maggie Klaers;
Brother, David McGraw and wife Sheila and his Sister-In-Law Joni McGraw;
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other relatives and friends.
RJ is preceded in death by his Parents, Ray and Evelyn McGraw; Sister, Joan (McGraw) Froemming; Brother, Mark McGraw; Brother-In-Law, John Froemming.
Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapel in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at hantge.com. Please click on Obituaries/Guest Book.
Shawn Schoettmer says
This city lost a great man and a even bigger tennis coach.
Eric Johnson says
Wonderful man. As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, he helped mold my values and beliefs. I feel very fortunate that my kids were able to learn tennis from him as well. Thank you, Mr. McGraw and may you rest in peace.
Marc Vaillancourt says
Mike and family: So sorry for your loss. He was such a great community leader and he will be missed by so many. Thinking and praying for you in these difficult times.
Eric Johnson says
A wonderful man. As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, he helped mold my values and beliefs. I am fortunate that my kids were able to learn tennis from him as well. Thank you, Mr. McGraw and may you rest in peace.
Julie (Benson) Fett says
Deepest sympathies to the McGraw family. I’ve known Ron since working for judge Yost in the 70’s and always respected his professionalism and enjoyed his sense of humor. The legal community and all of us will miss him.
Peggy Soucek says
My daughter worked with Ron for 16 plus years. I knew him fairly well because of her..he was so nice to me always..always full of compliments and made me feel so welcome.. What a good man..what a loss for all of us left behind. God bless you Ron and God bless and keep your family. You’ll be missed greatly.
Allen says
Mike and family: Very sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I met your dad 25 years ago, shortly after I moved to Hutchinson, when I had a legal question. Wonderful, very likable guy. – Allen Benusa –
Eric Johnson says
A wonderful man. As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, he helped mold my values and beliefs. Both of my kids were fortunate to learn the game of tennis from him. Thank you, Mr. McGraw and may you rest in peace.
Fern Hoff says
Kathleen, I was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I am on a bus on the way to IL for a women’s mission convention. I am sorry that I will not be able to greet you at this time. May God hold you in his hand and comfort you.
Eric Piepmeier says
The Piepmeier family has your family in it’s prayers. We were very sad to hear of Ron’s passing and yet happy that he will now know the joy of eternal life. Since we moved to North Carolina we will be unable to be with you at the services but will be with in spirit. We were blessed to know Ron.
Hegrenes Family says
On behalf of the HEGRENES Family (Barry, Scott, Burke and our kids), Ron’s passing brings back fond memories of an idyllic childhood and teenage years on Washington Avenue in Hutchinson. Our families (and others) were like one big family and Ronny was a cool neighborhood Dad, friend, competitor and mentor to all of us. We were lucky to be part of a tennis dynasty in the 1970’s and 1980’s which was inspired by Ron and the McGraw family. Thanks for being a part of our lives.
Nancy Miller says
Our condolences on the passing of Ron. My father relied on him and turned to Ron for counsel on a numerous occasions. Ron assisted me in a traumatic period of my life. For which, I am eternally grateful. ~ Nancy Miller and Mike Rounds
Pam Porisch says
My heart and prayers go out to Ron’s family. Such a dear man who handled life’s ups and downs for me over the years with grace, intelligence and wit. Estate or personal, I left his office with a comfort and assurance that all was well. He shared information about his dear family and his love for tennis. Heaven is a better place. My prayers have been offered up for those who are now grieving. Lord bless Ron’s family. Give them comfort and peace.
Bobbi Ludewig says
Kathleen & Family so sorry for you loss. Ron was a wonderful man and he will be missed by many. God Bless, Bobbi Ludewig
Bobbi Cogley Ludewig says
Kathleen & Family, So Sorry for you loss. Ron was a wonderful man and very faith filled. He will be missed by many. God Bless, Bobbi Ludewig
Fern Hoff says
Kathleen, I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I am currently in IL for a mission convention so I will not be home to greet you this week. Please know that I am thinking of you and I know that God will grant you comfort.
Steve Auger says
Deepest condolences from the Auger family. The McGraw family is in our prayers.
Fr. Ron Nuzzi says
The thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Alliance for Catholic Education are with the McGraw family at this time. God bless you as you celebrate RJ’s rich and blessed life.
Dan Goed says
Great memories of playing tennis with Ron in the early 70’s. A sweat sock on his wrist, and who know’s what on his head for sweat control. He would laugh equally for a great shot, or one that was missed badly. He was the first tennis player in Hutchinson to embrace new technology. A Wilson T 200 steel racket, that lasted about one million strokes. He went through several of these,so it’s apparent how much he was playing. He always made sure our family had a ride to church. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me nearly 40 years ago, that is the only one I have kept. His kindness and genuineness are what will be a comfort to family and friends. He was an everyday hero.
Dan Goede
Cecil Leitch says
Kathy and family-Ron will be missed here in Litchfield! He was Mr. Tennis of Hutchinson and we loved having him here or seeing him in Hutchinson. He was such a caring, generous and fun guy to be around. Although none of us would make the Edina dress code we enjoyed the tennis! I’ll never forget the red rag around his serving wrist and what a pleasure to know him! We all will miss him here but his sons have given us a few lessons here at Watercade.
Martine says
Mike, offering my sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
Fr. Ron Nuzzi says
The thoughts and prayers of all of us in the Alliance for Catholic Education are with the McGraw family as you celebrate RJ’s life and mourn his passing.
Julie (Benson) Fett says
Condolences to the McGraw family in the loss of a truly great man – compassionate and smart, professional and honest. Ron was one of the first attorneys I met when working for Judge Yost in Glencoe in the 1970’s. His loss will be felt by the whole legal community in the area. Your family will be in our thoughts in the days ahead.
Roger Denton says
Going through life certainly has its ups and downs! Meeting and spending time with Ron and his family is certainly an “up” moment in my life! Learning of his passing is obviously a “down!”
I read Ron’s obituary. It included most of what I knew and expected.
Ron treated me like he treated most…with dignity and respect no matter of your “rung in life.”
Ron’s sense of humor was unparalleled whether he was giving or receiving!
As an avid tennis player and member of Hutch’s first adult team tennis team, I especially appreciated Ron continuing to put more “grit” in our court’s surfaces to enable our aging players to remain competitive. ?
My family’s thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and family.
RIP…RJ
Kay says
My Mom had Mr. McGraw as her lawyer for years . When I needed help I went to him because he knew her and she trusted him . I told him about the issues and he helped me with it .At times I didn’t know if I was coming or going , but he always had me smiling and feeling better when I left . He told me , he would come and visit me in jail and the food wasn’t that bad !!! Sending my prayers and sympathy to his family . p. s. I of course never went to jail !