Obituary for Carl Eugene Graber
Carl E. Graber, age 85, passed away December 19, 2022 at his home in New Haven after a long illness. He was born in Allen County to the late Francis and Verda Graber and was a graduate of Leo High School and Goshen College. Carl worked in Fort Wayne IN, where he spent the last 45 years of his life working in real estate. He was the founder or helped start several agencies including Coldwell-Banker Graber Realtors. His company became one of the largest firms in northern Indiana and earned the top-ranked office in the United States. Carl was honored as Indiana’s realtor of the year in 2001.
In his earlier years, he landed with National Life Insurance Company of America, where he advanced
through several locations before rising to manage a highly successful unit in Indianapolis, IN. Over
those years in business he developed a skillset for recruiting, training, and mentoring sales associates.
Carl was also an innovator who developed unique approaches that resulted in many business successes.
Over the years he became fond of road trips to out-of-the-way places throughout the United States.
He, and his wife Barbara drove back roads to see and experience America up close. Along the way they
would visit family in North Carolina, Denver and other places, sharing their adventures and fresh
knowledge of local history. Together they wrote many chapters of family lore, most of which had to do
with Carl’s frequent, unintentional, and humorous gaffes.
Family, food and IU basketball were central to Carl. He enjoyed family gatherings and was known to plan amazing feasts which allowed his generous spirit the engagement he craved.
A favorite pastime for Carl was deep conversation about the rudiments of life. He was a devoted
listener and loved to let his imagination explore mystery and nuance and he cared deeply about the
stories others would tell.
Carl is survived by his loving wife Barbara; children, Rod Graber, Rhonda (Greg) Williamson, Tim Graber, Bernadette Weller, Buck L’Hommedieu, Byron (Vicky) L’Hommedieu; 13 grandchildren: 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters Joyce Swartz and Gerry Kulp. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Dwight and Allen.
Service is 4:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. with a calling two hours prior beginning at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Stillwater Hospice. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com
In his earlier years, he landed with National Life Insurance Company of America, where he advanced
through several locations before rising to manage a highly successful unit in Indianapolis, IN. Over
those years in business he developed a skillset for recruiting, training, and mentoring sales associates.
Carl was also an innovator who developed unique approaches that resulted in many business successes.
Over the years he became fond of road trips to out-of-the-way places throughout the United States.
He, and his wife Barbara drove back roads to see and experience America up close. Along the way they
would visit family in North Carolina, Denver and other places, sharing their adventures and fresh
knowledge of local history. Together they wrote many chapters of family lore, most of which had to do
with Carl’s frequent, unintentional, and humorous gaffes.
Family, food and IU basketball were central to Carl. He enjoyed family gatherings and was known to plan amazing feasts which allowed his generous spirit the engagement he craved.
A favorite pastime for Carl was deep conversation about the rudiments of life. He was a devoted
listener and loved to let his imagination explore mystery and nuance and he cared deeply about the
stories others would tell.
Carl is survived by his loving wife Barbara; children, Rod Graber, Rhonda (Greg) Williamson, Tim Graber, Bernadette Weller, Buck L’Hommedieu, Byron (Vicky) L’Hommedieu; 13 grandchildren: 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters Joyce Swartz and Gerry Kulp. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Dwight and Allen.
Service is 4:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. with a calling two hours prior beginning at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Stillwater Hospice. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com