Rodney Dean Graber, 80, of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on May 3, 1945. Son of Alvin and Elizabeth Graber, he grew up with his three sisters and a lifelong curiosity about how things worked. Rodney loved using his hands to tinker, invent, and bring his ideas to life, which nurtured his passion for woodworking. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed running track and playing basketball during his school years.
Rodney married Ann (Schmidtberger) on August 22, 1970, and together they had three daughters. He spent most of his life working as a general contractor and master carpenter in Topeka, Kansas. A talented craftsman, he was rarely without a project in progress. If something could be built, Rodney would find a way to make it happen. He generously shared his gifts with others, helping turn countless dreams into reality.
Rodney’s devotion to his family was unwavering. He retired and moved to Dallas, Texas, in 2015, to be near his children and grandchildren. “Papa” loved being involved in their everyday lives and supporting their activities. He also enjoyed carpentry, fishing, cooking, playing cards, cheering on the KU Jayhawks, and never missing an opportunity to make others laugh. He will forever be remembered for his quick sense of humor, zest for life, and his big heart.
Rodney is survived by his children, Kristen Akers (William); Allison Cofer (Brett); Rochelle Mayfield (Tim); his sister, Lavonne Dyck (Harvey); the children’s mother, Ann Graber; and his seven grandchildren, Caden; Madeleine; Lauren; Noah; Amanda; Michael; and Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Elizabeth Graber; and his sisters, Lorene Kaufman and husband, Lawrence; and Lilah Bohn and husband, Allen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave, Victoria, Kansas with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson, O.F.M. Cap. A private family inurnment will be Saturday afternoon at Saint Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria, Kansas.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be at 6:30 P.M. Friday, at Clines-Keithley Mortuary.
Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, Victoria, Kansas and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis.
Family suggests memorials to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, Kansas 67671. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com