John Erwin Graeter

John Graeter was born on August 27, 1984 in Phoenix, AZ, to Kathryn Graber Graeter and Joel Erwin Graeter. He passed away on June 4, 2025 at 40 years of age, in Tyler, TX. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Erwin Graeter, Beverly Benz Graeter, Kenneth Graber, Katheryn Ferguson Graber, his Aunt Georgia Graeter Lau and Uncles Philip Graber and Deacon William “Bill” Gier. John is survived by his parents Joel Erwin Graeter, Kathryn Graber Graeter one brother Ian Michael Graeter (wife Erica) and two amazing nephews Aiden Michael Graeter and Kole Elliot Graeter.

His childhood was spent in Phoenix, AZ, Victoria, TX and Chapel Hill, TX. If you knew John it was quickly apparent he was a unique personality. As a child he was quick to learn to read, devoured books like candy. He was always is search of understanding how things worked, why they worked and how he could recreate them. He loved gaming. First Dungeons and Dragons, then Live Action Role Playing which morphed into his love of Theatre in High School and then computer gaming.

As an adult John became a “jack of all trades” finally settling into construction, maintenance and handy man work. He was quick witted and loved to explore and debate ideas. He had a great sense of humor and loved his family and friends deeply.

Special thanks to friends who shared their life, time and experiences with him: Kathryn Taylor Rose, Jan Throp, Michael Lu, Dib and Amanda Maloch, Anthony Brinkman and Ellie Eddington.

John loved his family and extended family fiercely. Many thanks to those who helped John be a loving and caring person: Sue and Mark Hettwer, Deb and Mark Wondergem, Deb and Bill Gier, Tom Graber, Ken Graber and Kathy Hillestad.

Service for John will be held graveside at Richters Cemetery, 1909 FM 1457, Round Top, TX on June 28th at 10:30am. All friends and family are invited to join the family and share happy memories as we celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s name to the Salvation Army or any charity near and dear to your heart.