Obituary of Jeffrey Alan Graunke

Jeffrey Alan Graunke was born on April 4, 1953 in Denver, CO and died on January 17, 2015 at his home in Tucson with loved ones at his side. He is survived by his wife, Sydney Wilson; his mother, Janette Graunke; his sons, Timothy, Tyler and Ted; stepchildren, Josh and Caroline Yoder; brother, James Graunke; sister-in-law, Judy Graunke; sister, Jean Higgins; many nieces, nephews and in laws. Jeff attended the University of Northern Colorado on a swimming scholarship, achieving both all-American honors and the University's Athletic Hall of Fame. He majored in Earth Sciences. Jeff loved the outdoors and after graduating, worked at Glacier National Park in the summer and at Big Mountain, Whitefish, MT in the winter as a Ski Patrolman. Jeff moved to Tucson in 1977. He later married Michele Way and they had three sons. Jeff worked for Pima County Waste Water Treatment facility for 31 years. Jeff was active in youth sports, coaching swimming and Little League Baseball for several years. Jeff was known in the community as an avid golfer and was a fixture on many local courses. Jeff was a devoted husband and father and will be missed by family and friends. Jeff's life was celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Arizona Cancer Fund, the Tucson Community Food Bank, or the Humane Society. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.