Andrew "Andy" Arthur Grabow, 78, died Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Saint Simeon's Senior Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Andy was born on June 11, 1945 to Arthur and Lois (Nelson) Grabow in Polk County, Wisconsin. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1963.

He married Donna (Rice) Grabow in August 1967. They lived in Georgia, Alabama, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, Arizona and settled in Claremore, Oklahoma. He served one tour in Vietnam and attained the rank of Captain. He was a computer programmer after being honorably discharged from the US Army. They had two daughters together and divorced in April 1998. Andy married and divorced two subsequent times (Sondra Cooper, 1999-2000 and Cynthia Long, 2007-2019).

Andy loved to play the guitar, write song lyrics and poetry and took after his father in becoming a farmer in retirement. He has two videos on YouTube that can be viewed here:

The Big Dog Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_nCBFDbAHI

Some Gave All: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jJ8AxG949s

He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Andrea Grabow and Josh Johnson of Hagerstown, MD and Esther Grabow and Dean Holmes of Arlington, TX; sister, Alice Brancich of Winona, MN; nephew, Father John Brancich of Nashua, NH; nephew and niece-in-law, Gene and Jacqueline Mewes of Wheeler, WI and multiple step-children and step-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Lois Grabow; sister and brother-in-law, Eva and Eugene Mewes; brother-in-law, Gerald Brancich and favorite canine companions Elliot and Jesse.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who knew, cared about and loved my dad." -Andrea Grabow

A memorial service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Sampson Funeral Home, 1017 East Railroad Avenue, Colfax, WI, with Father John Brancich officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, 609 County Road M, Colfax, WI with military honors performed by Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131. A reception following the burial will be held at Whistle Stop Cafe, 500 West Main Street, Wheeler, WI 54772. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com

The service and burial will be streamed online for anyone who is not able to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Russell-Toycen American Legion Post 131, E8538 State Road 170, Colfax, WI 54730 or any veterans service organization of your choice in Andy's memory. If you would like to receive an Andy Grabow Memorial Packet that you can view at your convenience, please send an email to andygrabow2023@gmail.com.