Obituary of Edmund Frank Grefrath

Edmund F. Grefrath, 82, of Lafayette, CO died Thurs., April 30th at Balfour Retirement Community. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 715 Cabrini Dr., Lafayette. A reception will follow the Mass, followed by burial at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Cemetery, 6739 S Boulder Rd, Boulder, at 1:30 P.M. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army. Edmund was born November 16, 1932 to Joseph H. Grefrath and Teresa M. (Cremer) Grefrath in a log cabin farm house near Loose Creek, MO, the eighth child of nine. He enlisted in the U.S. Army (artillery) in 1951 and became the first commissioned officer of the family in 1952. He was relieved from active duty as a Captain in 1954. He attended college on the G.I. bill and graduated from Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK, with a Bachelor of Science in 1959. Edmund went on to be an Industrial Engineer with IBM, retiring after 31 years of service. Edmund married Patricia Marie Kountz on May 28, 1956 in Miami, OK. He enjoyed family ancestry research, computers, civil war history, classical music, and was an avid reader and Master Gardener. He also created beautiful woodworking pieces and upholstered fine furniture through his own business, Heirloom Custom Furniture, to help support his family. He was dearly loved and cherished by his family and will be missed in unspeakable ways. Survivors: Son, Edmund Frank Grefrath, Jr., Brighton ,CO; Daughters, Janet Alura Grefrath, Brighton, CO, Lisa Helen (Richard James Wisotzkey) Grefrath, Brighton, CO, Jacqueline Margaret (Michael Allen) Cole, Mead, CO, Honorary Daughter, Susanne Brooke Jones, GA, Son-in-law, Daniel G. Wisotzkey, Lafayette, CO; Grandson, Daniel Grier Wisotzkey, Lafayette, CO; Granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Cody James) Basden, Westminster, CO; Great Granddaughter, Audalina Sophia Basden, Westminster, CO; Sister Rita Conradina Kliethermes (John), MN; preceded in Death by his wife, Patricia M. Grefrath; Daughters, Mary Teresa Wisotzkey and Kathleen Anne Grefrath. Contributions may be made to a 529 College Investment Plan for his beloved great granddaughter, Audalina Sophia Basden, C/O Lisa Grefrath.