Chris Allen Graves

Boot Lake

Chris Graves, age 62, of Boot Lake, died following a courageous battle at his home Thursday, September 14, 2023, under the loving care of his family and North Woods Hospice.   He was born March 10, 1961, in Manistique, Michigan, to Bob and Hilda (Karr) Graves.  Chris grew up on Graves Road in “Gravesville.”  He attended Munising and Manistique schools and graduated from Vestaburg High School in 1979.  Chris was part of three generations of timber harvesters in the Graves family.  He worked with his dad, brothers, and nephews in the local area.  Chris married Rita Dempsey on May 30, 2003.  Chris loved his family but never excluded other people; in fact, he and Rita loved to be with everyone.  Chris was the first in line to help if anyone needed anything – whether pulling someone out of the ditch, fixing something for someone, or plowing someone’s driveway.  There were a lot of “U.P. Board Meetings” held around the back of pick-up trucks when he visited with family and friends.  He and his nephew (like a brother) Johnny Trzeciak spent a lot of time riding together in the woods.  Chris’ nephews and nieces were like his own children.  He and Rita especially loved attending Christmas programs to support kids.  Chris enjoyed fishing, hunting, eating, drinking, having ice cream for dessert, visiting with other loggers, dressing up for Halloween, and taking daily trips to see his Mama.  Hilda always looked forward to  visits from her “baby.”    Up until his last days, Chris was determined to get healthy so he could get back to work and back to Boot Lake.   He wasn’t able to return to the Lake, but he was baptized with water from Boot Lake in his ICU room.  Song lyrics were never Chris’ strong point, but he led his family in singing “Jesus Loves Me” after his baptismal blessing.  Oh, to see that smile light up the room.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of twenty years – Rita Graves of Boot Lake; his mom – Hilda Graves of Boot Lake; siblings – Arlene “Pudge” Green of Mt. Pleasant, Brenda (Hank) St. Amour of Munising, and Dan (Mary) Graves of Lily Lake; in-laws – Cheri Graves, Linda Graves, Mary Sue Dempsey, and Tim (Margaret) Dempsey; nieces and nephews – Johnny (Dawn) Trzeciak, Terry Sue Spears, Craig Trzeciak, Karen Reeves, Robbie (Lorena) Graves, Kurt (Kathy) Graves, Eric (Barb) Graves, Angel (Brad) Veneberg, Hank (Sherry) St. Amour, Brooke (Tim) Swift, Andy (Kelly) St. Amour, Lei (Luke) Pickard, and Danny (Nicole) Graves, Rachel Meskill, Danielle Meskill, Nathan (Kim) Meskill, Matthias (Jenna) Meskill, and Caleb (Tomoi) Meskill; numerous great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins by the dozens.   He was preceded in death by his father Bob Graves and brothers Timothy and Bobby Graves.

Services will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the Munising Baptist Church in Wetmore.  Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.   Pastor Jason LaFlamme with lead Chris’ funeral service at 2:00 p.m.  A fellowship gathering will take place at the church immediately following the service.  Burial will be at the Hiawatha Township Cemetery at 5:00 p.m.

Memorials are requested to be directed to the family