Joseph H. Graves, 81, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center, in Dubuque, IA.

Per Joe's wishes, there will be no public visitation or formal funeral service.  Cremation rites have been accorded.

The Miller Funeral Home, of East Dubuque, is serving the family.

He was born on August 18, 1936, in Guilford, Missouri, the son of Doyle R. and Catherine (Seifert) Graves.  Joe was united in marriage to Loretta J. Cavanaugh, on February 11, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Church, at Peosta, IA.

He was a self-employed logger and truck driver.  Joe was an avid card player, enjoyed camping, traveling and was a born instigator.  He would always ask about the weather and the current gas prices.

Surviving are his wife, Loretta; five (5) children, Linda Graves, of Dubuque, IA, Debbie (Tom) Splinter, of East Dubuque, IL, Kathy (Kevin) Kammerude, of Hazel Green, WI, Jake (Patty) Graves, of Mt. Ayr, IA, and Shirley (Don) Kearney, of Murray, IA; seventeen (17) grandchildren; and twenty-five (25) great-grandchildren; five (5) siblings, Mary Westemeier, of Dickeyville, WI, Betty Schneider, of East Dubuque, IL, Jerry (Carol) Graves, of Monroe, WI, Jeanne Dura, of Dickeyville, WI, and Harold (Carla) Staudenrous, of Dubuque, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jerry Graves; a brother, Jake Graves; and a sister-in-law, Irene Graves.

Loretta and family wish to "thank" Mercy Medical Center and Dr. Joseph Fuller for the wonderful care given to their husband, father and grandfather.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com