Deceased Members–2008

In Memory of Dennis J. Graf

Dennis J. Graf, FSA, was born in 1944 and passed away on
April 29, 2008.

Graf graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1966 from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he started his career with Milliman & Robertson in Milwaukee, where he worked in the pension department for 20 years. He rose to the level of consulting actuary and became a shareholder of the firm. Graf came to Detroit in 1989 to work for the International Union, UAW. He served the Michigan Actuarial Society as treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. He also served on the Society of Actuaries' Record editorial review board from 1977 to 1983 and was a frequent recruiter for industry meetings.

Graf was on the UAW's team involved with numerous sets of negotiations during his UAW career, which included several rounds of negotiations with the domestic auto industry (GM, Ford and Chrysler).

He was active on the Pension Committee of the American Academy of Actuaries as well as assisting the UAW's legislative director on legislation that became the Pension Protection Act of 2006. He brought a voice that offered a critically important perspective.

Graf is survived by his children Jolie Graf and Kevin (Sara) Graf; his brothers Richard, Robert (Lori), sisters Mary (Ron) Eide, Angie (Larry) Wegner, Kathy (Gary) Dobrzynski; and grandchildren Eric and Ellary. His former wife, Joan Skalitzky of Columbus, Wisconsin, passed away several years earlier.