Gene Graf, age 86, of Fayette, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on May 24, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1940, in Franklin Township, Fulton County, Ohio, to the late Joy Sam Graf and Joyce Lena Winzeler Graf.

Gene graduated from Archbold High School in 1957. Following graduation, he faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 and was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completing his military service, Gene returned home to farm, dedicating his life to the land and to the family home 1 mile west of Zone, Ohio, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

On August 3, 1963, Gene married the love of his life, Marlene Mae Roth. Together they shared 63 years of marriage marked by faith, family, hard work, and devotion to one another. Gene especially treasured traveling with Marlene and the many memories they created together through the years.

Gene gave his life to Christ at an early age and faithfully followed and served Him throughout his entire life. His faith was the foundation of who he was and continued to deepen until his final day. He was a lifelong member of Archbold Evangelical Church and found great joy in supporting ministries that shared the love of Jesus Christ. For more than 20 years, Gene and Marlene were actively involved in the church plant and ministry of Sonlight Community Church in Angola, Indiana, where they faithfully invested in relationships, encouraged others in their walk with Christ, and served alongside many dear friends. 

Gene and Marlene also shared a deep passion for investing in the lives of children through Kids Campus, the preschool ministry that began through Marlene’s vision and dreams. Gene faithfully worked behind the scenes to help make those dreams a reality, using his gifts, hard work, and servant’s heart to support the ministry in countless ways. Many children lovingly knew him as “Farmer Gene,” and his quiet presence, kindness, and willingness to serve became a meaningful part of the lives of many families through the years.

Gene was known by many as a prayer warrior. He faithfully prayed daily for family, friends, missionaries, churches, and countless others, often keeping pages of names and prayer requests close at hand. Those who knew Gene experienced his quiet generosity, unwavering faith, servant’s heart, humility, steady presence, and deep love for his family. He was deeply proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and found great joy in watching his family grow through the generations. His life was marked by simplicity, faithfulness, kindness, and prayer.

One of Gene’s favorite Bible verses was Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Those words reflected the steady faith, trust, and quiet strength that defined his life.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Graf of Fayette, Ohio; children, Lisa (John) Aeschliman of Wauseon, Ohio, Lynne (Wes) Hoffmire of Napoleon, Ohio, and Fred (Becca) Graf of Fort Wayne, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings.

Visitation for Gene will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Archbold Evangelical Church Multi Ministry Room. On Thursday, May 28, 2026, a graveside service will be held at Pettisville Cemetery at 10:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM at Archbold Evangelical Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to “Miracle Camp and Retreat Center” or “Home of Hope Orphanage and Christian School of Hope” (c/o Faith in Communities Africa PO Box 53153 Pettisville, Ohio 43553). Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Grisier Funeral Home of Archbold is honored to serve the Graf family.

The obituary for Gene was lovingly prepared by his family.

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