John E. Graf, age 65, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away April 18, 2013, at Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

John was born February 6, 1948, in Rushville, NE, the third of seven children, to John August and Enone Elizabeth (Eisenbarth) Graf. He grew up in Hot Springs and graduated from Santa Maria High School in California in 1966, where he met the love of his life, high school sweetheart, and future wife, Vickie in 1963. He enlisted in the US Army in 1966. After his discharge he and Vickie were married in 1969. In 1969 John began attending Allan Hancock College where he earned his degree in Administration of Justice and in 1972; he joined the Santa Maria Police Department Reserves. This began his career in law enforcement.

In 1974 he moved to Hot Springs, where he joined the Hot Springs Police Department and was appointed Chief of Police in 1977. In 1984 he returned to Santa Maria and joined the Allan Hancock College Police Academy, working his way up to Lt. and Chief training officer.

After retiring in 2003, John and Vickie returned to Hot Springs. After realizing he was not cut out for retirement, John went to work for the City of Hot Springs where he worked at the time of his death.

John was a man of honor, courage, integrity and undying devotion to his family. Family was the most important thing in John's life. He had a positive impact on many lives, and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie of Hot Springs; his son, Bryan (Caitlin Wilson) Graf of Box Elder, SD; two daughters Andrea (Mike) Rogers of Albuquerque, NM; Shana (Dustin) Smith of Chetek, WI; 5 grandchildren; Kamrin and Allysen Graf of Hot Springs, Zachary Rogers of Albuquerque; Kenley and Aiden Smith of Chetek; and almost 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Therese (Jonathan) Wishard of Hot Springs; brothers Rusty (Traci) Graf of Boulder, MT; Mark (Lisa) Graf of Bakersfield, CA; and Donny (Beverly) Graf of Fresno, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, John, and brother Matthew.

A Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 25, 2013, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs with Fr. Tim Hoag officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.