Arthur Dewey Gragg, age 80 of Tryon, passed away June 6, 2013 at GPRMC.
Art was born on October 18, 1932 in Alliance, NE to Dewey and Myrtle (Connell) Gragg. He lived in Hooker County and at a young age moved to Arthur County east of Swan Lake. At the age of 5 his family moved to Birdwood Creek north of Hershey. At age 14, the family moved to McPherson County where he attended school at District 95 north of Hershey, and Districts 10 & 4 in McPherson County, and McPherson County High School. Art married Barbara Pettit on October 18, 1956 and to this union 5 children were born. The couple was married for 56 years. Art worked various jobs in his life from haying to working at Chamber’s Truck, Railroad, and North Platte Livestock, until moving back home to help his father on the ranch. He received the Conservation Award for his efforts of conserving the land while ranching. Art was an active member of the United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He also served on the District 4 & 21 school boards. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.
Art is survived by his wife Barbara; sons Jim (Judy) Gragg of Tryon, Jerry Gragg of Sanger, TX, and Todd (Jana) Gragg of North Platte; daughters Peggy (Dale Dee) Arensdorf of Tryon, Nancy (Mike) Krull of Tryon; grandsons J.D. (Sara) Gragg of Olatha, KS, Wacey (Chevis) Krull of Ansley, Logan Krull of North Platte, Josh (Emily) Suzle of Lincoln, Bandy Arensdorf of North Platte, Levi (Melissa) Arensdorf of North Platte, Dale Riley of Indianola, Duell Arensdorf of Tryon, Josh (Autum) Gragg of North Platte, Kyle (Linda) Gragg of North Platte, Peyton Barner, Carsyn and Hudsyn Gragg of North Platte; granddaughters Emily (Joe) Cochran of Valley Springs, SD, Kayla (Garrett) Orndoff of Trenton, MO, Gentry Barner of North Platte; great grandchildren Barrett Gragg of Olatha, KS, Sean & Grayson Krull of Ansley, Alandria, Cadence, and Brigham Cochran of Valley Springs, SD, Cash Arensdorf of Bingham, Bladen and Braxton Arensdorf of North Platte, Allison Gragg of North Platte, Aurora, Olivia, Sam and Eli Suzle of Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Myrtle; sister Vera; in-laws Les and Elizabeth Smith and Cliff Pettit; sister-in-law Dot Pettit; and brother and sister-in-law Darrel and Judy Pettit.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice in Art’s name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday June 10, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Tryon with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. The casket will be closed. Those wishing to do so may sign the memorial book Saturday and Sunday, June 8th & 9th at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.