Dale A Graber

Dale Andrew Graber D.V.M.? age 85, passed away Saturday June 23, 2007 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.? He was born July 17, 1921 to Clyde and Cora (Scherer) Graber in Canton, Ohio.? He was a member of the 1939 class of Canton Township High School, where he played on the first football team in the school's history.? Dale honorably served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Squadron B-1 2123rd Army Air Force.? He was part of the 487th bombardment group, where he served with distinction, completing 33 successful bombing missions over Germany. ??? Dale attended the Ohio State University for 3 years, before being accepted into the O.S.U College of Veterinary Medicine, where he graduated from in 1951.? He received the Omega Tau Sigma award in 1950 and 1951 and was a member of Alpha Psi and Phi Zeta veterinary fraternities.? He met and married Iva Lou Lansdale in Columbus, Ohio November 24, 1951. ??? Dale began his career in veterinary medicine practicing? large animal care in Lubbock, Texas from 1951 to 1952 before moving to Toledo.? He practiced with Dr. Custer D.V.M downtown on Adams St. for one year before opening Graber Animal Hospital's first location at 2019 Sylvania Ave. He helped mentor many veterinarians and retired after 45 years. Dale twice served as the President of the Toledo Veterinary Medical Association and was a longtime board member.? He served as the Veterinarian for the Toledo Humane Society for several years.? Dale was also a proud fundraiser for the O.S.U College of Veterinary Medicine during their President's Club Fund Drive. ??? Dale was a certified, Master Gardener from B.G.S.U.? He? volunteered his time,? gardening skills and expertise at the Toledo Zoo for many years.? He loved gardening, fishing with his buddies, bird watching, all OSU sports and spending time doting on his beloved grandchildren. ??? Dale is survived by his sons, James (Keith) Graber, Steven (Sharon) Graber D.V.M; daughters, Cathy Graber D.V.M, Rebecca (Robert) Tuckerman; brothers, Nelson Graber, Lester Graber; sisters, Viola Newell, LaDeane Lofgren; and grandchildren, Jason, Angela, Samantha, Emily, Eric and Kevin.? He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou; sister, Arlene Minnick and brother, Clarence Graber. ?? A memorial service will be held 2:00pm July? 29, 2007 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valleyview Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43615.? Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Epworth United Methodist Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Arrangements entrusted to Ansberg-West Funeral Directors. ??? Dale's family would like to thank the staff at Toledo Hospital (4th, 8th, 9th floors) and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their love and support.???