Submitted by: Dan Rich
Robert N. DeGraff
Sept. 29. 1931-Nov. 3, 2008
South Bend Tribune 11/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - Surrounded by his loving wife and children, Bob
DeGraff, 77, died on Monday, November 3, after a courageous
battle with cancer. A life-long resident of South Bend, Bob was
born on September 29, 1931, the middle son of Oreal and Carmel
(Hartford) De Graff. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and
Central Catholic High. On January 29, 1955 he married the love of
his life, Eleanor Van Overberghe. Bob proudly served his country
in the Korean War. He also bravely served the City of South Bend
as a Firefighter for 20 years. After retirement he opened The
Pretzel Palace, a hot dog stand in downtown South Bend. Later,
this restaurant moved into a store front beside the State Theatre
and became Diggie's Hot Dogs and More. Bob and his wife also
owned a second restaurant in downtown South Bend called The Lunch
Box. His outgoing personality made friends fast and he knew
virtually every business person that worked in downtown South
Bend, for which his children dubbed him the unofficial mayor of
South Bend. After owning and operating these downtown favorites
for 20 years, Bob retired. He is survived by his wife of 53 years
and his four children, of whom he was exceedingly proud: Michael
N. (Tamar) of Monroe, Washington; Renee C. of Springboro, Ohio;
Andrea G. of South Bend; and Martin T. (Julie) of Lexington,
Kentucky. He is also survived by four grandchildren whom he
adored: Malchijah (Monroe); and Zachary, Maxwell and Matthys
(Lexington) De Graff. Additionally, two brothers survive Bob:
Richard A. of Lisle, Illinois and William O. of Woodbury,
Connecticut. Preceding him in death were his parents and an
infant son, Robert N. De Graff, Jr. Bob was a faithful fan and
spectator at his childrens' various events and athletic contests
and thus, spent a lot of time on bleachers. He was a Fourth
Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and a die-hard fan of
the University of Notre Dame and the Chicago Cubs. Bob also
served as an usher at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Bob
maintained his iron will, sharp wit and clever sense of humor
until the end. He will be missed dearly by his wife, children,
extended family and numerous friends.
Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 & 5
to 8 p.m. at McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings,
Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23 (enter off Cherry Rd.), where the
Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated Thursday at St. Anthony's de Padua
Church, 2120 E. Jefferson Blvd. at Ironwood at 11:00 am. Burial
will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob's name
to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook
Court, South Bend, 46637.