Dennis R. Graul

Dennis R. Graul, 64, of Okawville, IL born July 16, 1949 in Belleville, IL died December 24, 2013 taking a leisurely walk in Benetia State Park, CA while on vacation with his wife, his siblings and their families, due to
complications of the heart.

He was owner and operator of Graul’s Service and Repair in Mascoutah for 32 years. Dennis and his wife Julie also owned and operated the McIlwain Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Okawville. It was the site of many weddings, showers, and fund-raisers.

He attended Holy Childhood Grade School in Mascoutah; he then attended St. Henry’s Preparatory Seminary in Belleville, followed by two years at Lewis College in Joliet, IL, then two years at Quincy College in Quincy, IL graduating with two majors, Philosophy and Sociology. After bouncing around from Chicago to Florida to California with various construction and other jobs, Denny came back to Mascoutah to help his dad,
temporarily, at the Standard full service gas station, while Ray was recovering from surgery. Denny never left. After several years he and his Dad moved across the street to run the Sunoco full service gas station. They finally ended up down the street to continue with auto maintenance. During the years working with his father, Denny eventually became the boss and Ray became his right- hand man. Denny enjoyed crossword puzzles, a good chardonnay wine, golf, playing euchre, playing softball with the Miller High Lites and Dan’s Auto Body,
being outdoors, singing, (especially accompanied by Diana Starr-Drake), veraciously reading only non-fiction, a good hearty laugh and always had thoughtful and respectful discussions (especially political)-regardless of
opinions.

He served on the Mascoutah City Council for 12 years, was a former member of the Mascoutah Jaycees, (serving as a president), was a member of the Okawville Chamber of Commerce, (formerly serving on the board), and member of the Okawville Investment Club, (formerly serving as president). Denny humbly accepted the role of officiating many weddings for family members and friends.

He will be sadly missed by Julie, family, friends and The Kitty’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond J. and Georgiana, nee Riess, Graul.

Surviving are his wife of 26 years Julie Heberer of Okawville, IL whom he married in Hawaii on November 21, 1987; two sisters, Louise (Jim) Eisenbrant of Overland Park, KS and Rita (Bob) Freitas of Vallejo, CA; two
brothers, Wayne (Kristi) Graul of Paola, KS and Ivan (Betsy) Graul of Concord, CA; father-in-law and mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. It was a comfort to the family that he and Julie were with his four siblings from California and Kansas at his untimely passing.


In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be made to the Okawville Village Library, 400 S. Hanover, Okawville, IL 62271 or the West Washington County Unit School District #10 Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 102, Okawville, IL 62271 or to the Heritage House Museum of Okawville, 114 West Walnut, Okawville, IL 62271.

Visitation: Visitation will be from 8:00 to 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville, IL.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville, IL with Pastor Jeff Schwab officiating.