John "Robbie" Graessle

John “Robbie” Graessle, Jr, 59, of Columbus, OH died peacefully Tuesday after an 18 month fight with lung cancer. He was born to the late Jack and Christine Graessle, July 5, 1953. John graduated from Bishop Ready High School in 1972 and worked his entire career as a proud and faithful Ironworker with Local No. 172. He married Susan Heston in 1975. They put down roots and raised their family on the West Side of Columbus. Robbie was a sports enthusiast. He grew up playing basketball, baseball, and football, but also loved to bowl, play softball and golf. He loved football most: The Cleveland Browns and Ohio State. He loved college basketball and always knew facts, figures, key players, and the likes. He loved to fish and hunt. He could track a deer for miles. He liked his beer and could often be found at the Shady Inn (now DJ's Corner Pub). He was best known to those closest to him as a father and a husband. He was always there when you needed him most. He was a hard man with a soft heart, a dedicated Ironworker, and a loyal friend. He will be missed. Survivors include his wife, Susan Graessle; children, Rob (Molly) Graessle, Jackie (Leo) Dunkle, Samantha Graessle, and Joey Graessle; grandchildren, Kay-Lee Dunkle and Leo Dunkle III, Evan and Cannon Graessle; sisters, Connie (Steve) Repass, Cindy (Dean) Tackett and Boo (Sam) Workman; brother, Chris (Judy) Graessle, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steve Graessle. Family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8pm Friday, June 7, 2013 at Schoedinger Hilltop Chapel, 3030 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43204; Mass of Christian Burial 10am Saturday, June 8, 2013 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 2364 W. Mound St., Columbus, OH 43204, Msgr. Romano Ciotola, Celebrant; interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Holy Family Soup Kitchen, 588 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215 or A Kid Again, Greater Columbus Chapter: 777-G Dearborn Park Lane, Columbus, OH 43085 in his memory.