Andrew Arthur Grabow, 78, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Saint Simeon's Senior Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Andy was born on June 11, 1945 to Arthur and Lois (Nelson) Grabow in Polk County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1963.
He married Donna (Rice) Grabow in August 1967. They lived in Georgia; Alabama; Schwäbisch Hall, Germany; Arizona; and settled in Claremore, Oklahoma. He served one tour in Vietnam and attained the rank of Captain. He was a computer programmer after being honorably discharged from the US Army. They had two daughters together and divorced in April 1998. Andy married and divorced two subsequent times (Sondra Cooper, 1999-2000 and Cynthia Long, 2007-2019).
Andy loved to play the guitar, write song lyrics and poetry, and took after his father in becoming a farmer in retirement. He has two videos on YouTube that can be viewed here:
The Big Dog Song: <
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_nCBFDbAHI
>
Some Gave All: <
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jJ8AxG949s
>
He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Andrea Grabow and Josh Johnson of Hagerstown, MD and Esther Grabow and Dean Holmes of Arlington, TX; sister Alice Brancich of Winona, MN; best friend, Adam Haley of Claremore, OK; and multiple step-children and step-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Lois Grabow; sister and brother-in-law, Eva and Eugene Mewes; brother-in-law Gerald Brancich; and favorite canine companions Elliot and Jesse.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who knew, cared about, and loved my dad."
-Andrea Grabow
In lieu of a service in Oklahoma, please send an email to
andygrabow2023@gmail.com
if you would like to receive an Andy Grabow Memorial Packet that you can view at your convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the veterans service organization of your choice in Andy's memory. Moore Funeral Home is assisting the family.
A Graveside Service and Burial for family will be held in the Spring/Summer at Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax, WI. Sampson Funeral Home will be assisting the family.