Kenneth E. Grages

Kenneth E. Grages, 76 of North Port, Florida and formerly of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, August 3, 2008 in Sunset Lake Health and Rehab Center at Venice, Florida following a brief illness. Born November 21, 1931 at New Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John A. Grages and Florence C. Metzger. He retired from Empire Detroit Steel as an accountant after 30 years and was a former member of Jerusalem Church at New Philadelphia. Kenneth was a veteran of the Korean War.He is survived by his children Lori (Jim) Patterson of North Port, Florida, Jeff (Sherri) Grages of New Port News, VA, and Connie (Vince) Pace of Spring, Texas. He is also survived by his long time Companion Betty K. Thomas, of Strasburg and one brother James “Shorty” Grages of New Philadelphia. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Tiffany, Krista, Gregg, Nicholas, Scott, Kimberly, Stephanie, Julie and Summer and 2 great grandchildren, Sage and Scottie. He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Dale Grages, one granddaughter, Amber Grages and his loving aunt, Verneda Lantzer.The family will receive guests on Friday, August 8, 2008 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A graveside service will take place in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Hugh Berry officiating. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.The family requests memorial contributions be made in Kenneth’s name to Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 or to your local Hospice organization.