LeeRoy Graeter — In Loving Memory

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LeeRoy Graeter, 86, of Nederland, died Tuesday, October 4, 2016. He was born on June 19, 1930, in Paige, to Ellie Kunkel Graeter and Ernest H. Graeter.

LeeRoy was a United States Air Force veteran. He retired after thirty-two years as Executive Vice President of Market Basket. LeeRoy enjoyed gardening and spending time at his beach house in Crystal Beach. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his son, Ted Graeter and his wife, Dawn, of Nederland; grandchildren, Ryan and his wife, Valerie, Ashley and Ivan, Julie and her husband, Jim, and Jesse; great-grandchildren, Fern, Ruby, Luna, and Tilly; and brother, Harold Graeter of Memphis, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of forty-eight years, Barbara Graeter; daughter, Deborah Murphy; four brothers; and five sisters.

A gathering of Mr. Graeter’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2711 Helena Avenue, Nederland. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2016, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Nederland, with his interment following at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Graeter’s memory to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2711 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas 77627.

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Services

Visitation

Gathering of Mr. Graeter’s Family and Friends

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

2711 Helena Avenue

Nederland, TX 77627

October 6, 2016

5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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Funeral Service

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

2711 Helena Avenue

Nederland, TX 77627

October 7, 2016

1:00 p.m.

Map ↗

Interment

Oak Bluff Memorial Park

101 Block Street

Port Neches, TX 77651

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Memorial Service

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

2711 Helena Ave.

Nederland, TX 77627

Map ↗

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Condolences (11)

Bud Cowart Beaumont, TX October 8, 2016

I worked as a supplier with Mr. Graeter for 12 years. I had the utmost respect for him. He had a "get it done, never quit" attitude that was reflected in the success of his company. My condolences to the family.

Amy Lindow Magnolia, TX October 6, 2016

Where do I start?? Pee Paw was the best. I really looked forward to going to his home to help hang up Christmas lights on the roof or sit outside in his beautiful backyard. He was one of a kind. I can never thank him enough for taking me across the US to Oregon. I may never experience that type of trip again. It was just Pee Paw, Ryan, the dogs, and me. I remember he drove like a mad man. I fell asleep in the back seat and I woke up to the car rocking back and forth, and the dogs were fighting. Or maybe the time he was dressed as the King of Jimulias wedding with the gold cup. Hail King Pee Paw! Makes my heart smile. Love you Pee Paw and Rest in peace.

Ken & Sue Jones Purmela, TX October 6, 2016

Ted. Dawn and all your Family. we were so sad to hear about Uncle LeeRoy. Your all in our thoughts and prayers.
We're sorry we won't be able to be there for the service. I remember all the wonderful times we had together through the years. We love you all.

David and Nell Frank Beaumont, TX October 5, 2016

Dear Teddy & Dawn and the Whole Graeter Family::

I just wanted to take a moment to send my condolences on the passing of my very dear friend, LeeRoy Graeter.

Below are my views of a most remarkable man--LeeRoy Graeter :

The LeeRoy Graeter I knew had great courage. He was never afraid to speak out against the status quo and conventional wisdom……..

2) The LeeRoy Graeter I knew had amazing wisdom. He always knew his subject matter - - and could always defend it. Absolutely no one knew the grocery business better than LeeRoy and he knew how to mentor others that came along.

3) The LeeRoy Graeter I knew had conviction. He always felt strong about his ideas, no matter what anyone else thought.

4) The LeeRoy Graeter I knew had clarity. His message was typically simple, concise and easily understood…..

5) And the LeeRoy Graeter I knew had credibility. He dang sure knew how to walk the walk and talk the talk.

No one had more compromising integrity than my dear friend, LeeRoy. He always thought with discipline and honesty. He could sort through flattery, through politics and could always see things as they truly were.

He was a most remarkable man. I always viewed LeeRoy as incredibly competent, very caring and amazingly confident.

LeeRoy reminds me of the following: The boss drives people; the leader coaches them. The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will. The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The boss says 'I'; the leader says 'we.' The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown. The boss says 'go'; the leader says 'let's go!'

LeeRoy was a real leader…….a true friend……….and a wonderful husband and father, grandfather and great grandfather.

I spend many a Saturday talking to LeeRoy and had so many visits to his home.

My thoughts and prayers are with ALL of you.