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.