Obituary for Graydon Andrew Krapohl
Graydon Andrew Krapohl of Ann Arbor, Michigan left this life on April 15, 2020 after a long and
courageous battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He died at home, as was his wish, with his wife and
daughter by his side.
Graydon was born in Ann Arbor on December 23, 1960, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. and Patricia
A. Krapohl. As a child, Graydon lived his formative years with his parents and four siblings in Ann
Arbor, Omaha, Nebraska; Montevideo, Uruguay; Marinette, Wisconsin; and in Jackson, Michigan. After
graduating from Napoleon High School, Graydon attended the University of Michigan where he
graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts. In addition, he earned his MBA from George Mason
University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army War College. Graydon later became an
adjunct faculty member at the Army War College. He also completed numerous other leadership and
military technical training courses.
Graydon served honorably for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, both active duty and reserve
status. He achieved the rank of Colonel. While stationed in Hawaii, as an Infantry officer in the 2nd
Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he met and married his wife Greta Krapohl, a
U.S. Army Nurse Corps Officer. They moved several times during their decades of military service, the
longest time in Washington, D.C. It had always been Graydon’s hope to be able to move back to Ann
Arbor where there had been a long family association spanning five generations with the University of
Michigan.
In his civilian career, Graydon worked in the Federal, nonprofit, and private sectors where he provided
expertise in information technology, strategic planning, organizational design and development, program
management, and leadership. Graydon was a natural leader and had the unique ability to take on complex
projects and issues, create a plan, mobilize resources, and implement successful solutions.
Graydon proudly served as a member of the Ann Arbor City Council from 2014-2018 representing the
4th Ward. And before that, served as a City Parks commissioner. Graydon lived in the Lower Burns
Park neighborhood with his family and cared deeply about his neighbors. He was always willing to lend
a helping hand. As the only elected military veteran in Washtenaw County, Graydon worked tirelessly
advocating for Veteran’s rights and benefits. He also served proudly as a trustee and service officer at
American Legion Post #46.
Graydon’s love for his family was deep and abiding. He was very involved in his daughter’s life and was
an active participant with Grace in club and high school volleyball, lacrosse games, and several other
school activities. As the “G3’s” the family enjoyed special times together traveling the world, camping
across the country, and several trips to Disney World.
He will most be remembered as a loving husband and father, as a thoughtful and respected public
servant, and for his desire to make the world a better place.
He is preceded in death by infant son, William Andrew.
Graydon is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Greta, and daughter, Grace. He is also survived by
his parents Andrew and Patricia Krapohl, sisters, Tracy (Doug) Short, Kaye Krapohl, Kelly Krapohl, and
Walter Krapohl, mother-in-law Gretchen White and sister-in law Susan (Steve) McClane. Nieces and
nephews Lindsay (Denny) Schroeder, Jenna (Austin) McClane, Ryan (Megan) Short, Hayley Short, Cara
McClane, Monica McClane, and Steven McClane. Also, grand-nephew, James Schroeder.
A virtual memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 AM through the First Presbyterian
Church and accessed at the following link: Click Here
A Celebration of Life will take place in Ann Arbor later this summer.
The family would like to thank Albert Quiery MD, Anne O’Reilly, RN, and the extraordinary healthcare
team at the Rogel Cancer Center- Michigan Medicine who treated him with unparalleled expertise and
kindness. Additional thanks to Stephen Ansell MD, PhD, Lindsey Peterson MSW, and Gina Lange, RN at the Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN and Mark Roschewski, MD and his team at the National Institute of Health (NIH) for
giving Graydon a chance to receive the latest cutting-edge treatment options and the “gift of time.”
Memorial contributions may be made in Graydon’s name to the Fisher House Michigan, an organization
that he felt a deep personal connection to in support of serving veterans and their families.
Click Here
courageous battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He died at home, as was his wish, with his wife and
daughter by his side.
Graydon was born in Ann Arbor on December 23, 1960, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. and Patricia
A. Krapohl. As a child, Graydon lived his formative years with his parents and four siblings in Ann
Arbor, Omaha, Nebraska; Montevideo, Uruguay; Marinette, Wisconsin; and in Jackson, Michigan. After
graduating from Napoleon High School, Graydon attended the University of Michigan where he
graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts. In addition, he earned his MBA from George Mason
University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army War College. Graydon later became an
adjunct faculty member at the Army War College. He also completed numerous other leadership and
military technical training courses.
Graydon served honorably for 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, both active duty and reserve
status. He achieved the rank of Colonel. While stationed in Hawaii, as an Infantry officer in the 2nd
Battalion, 3rd Marines, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, he met and married his wife Greta Krapohl, a
U.S. Army Nurse Corps Officer. They moved several times during their decades of military service, the
longest time in Washington, D.C. It had always been Graydon’s hope to be able to move back to Ann
Arbor where there had been a long family association spanning five generations with the University of
Michigan.
In his civilian career, Graydon worked in the Federal, nonprofit, and private sectors where he provided
expertise in information technology, strategic planning, organizational design and development, program
management, and leadership. Graydon was a natural leader and had the unique ability to take on complex
projects and issues, create a plan, mobilize resources, and implement successful solutions.
Graydon proudly served as a member of the Ann Arbor City Council from 2014-2018 representing the
4th Ward. And before that, served as a City Parks commissioner. Graydon lived in the Lower Burns
Park neighborhood with his family and cared deeply about his neighbors. He was always willing to lend
a helping hand. As the only elected military veteran in Washtenaw County, Graydon worked tirelessly
advocating for Veteran’s rights and benefits. He also served proudly as a trustee and service officer at
American Legion Post #46.
Graydon’s love for his family was deep and abiding. He was very involved in his daughter’s life and was
an active participant with Grace in club and high school volleyball, lacrosse games, and several other
school activities. As the “G3’s” the family enjoyed special times together traveling the world, camping
across the country, and several trips to Disney World.
He will most be remembered as a loving husband and father, as a thoughtful and respected public
servant, and for his desire to make the world a better place.
He is preceded in death by infant son, William Andrew.
Graydon is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Greta, and daughter, Grace. He is also survived by
his parents Andrew and Patricia Krapohl, sisters, Tracy (Doug) Short, Kaye Krapohl, Kelly Krapohl, and
Walter Krapohl, mother-in-law Gretchen White and sister-in law Susan (Steve) McClane. Nieces and
nephews Lindsay (Denny) Schroeder, Jenna (Austin) McClane, Ryan (Megan) Short, Hayley Short, Cara
McClane, Monica McClane, and Steven McClane. Also, grand-nephew, James Schroeder.
A virtual memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 AM through the First Presbyterian
Church and accessed at the following link: Click Here
A Celebration of Life will take place in Ann Arbor later this summer.
The family would like to thank Albert Quiery MD, Anne O’Reilly, RN, and the extraordinary healthcare
team at the Rogel Cancer Center- Michigan Medicine who treated him with unparalleled expertise and
kindness. Additional thanks to Stephen Ansell MD, PhD, Lindsey Peterson MSW, and Gina Lange, RN at the Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN and Mark Roschewski, MD and his team at the National Institute of Health (NIH) for
giving Graydon a chance to receive the latest cutting-edge treatment options and the “gift of time.”
Memorial contributions may be made in Graydon’s name to the Fisher House Michigan, an organization
that he felt a deep personal connection to in support of serving veterans and their families.
Click Here