NEW BERLIN – Leo K. Gravesen, 73 years old, of Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of New Berlin, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007 at his residence.
He was born Oct. 31, 1934 to Rolf & Mildred (Kelsey) Gravesen in Oneonta. He was a veteran of the Korean War, United States Marine Corps. After his tour of duty in the Marines, he returned to the family dairy farm in New Berlin, until the early 1970s when he entered the real estate industry. He moved to Port Charlotte in 1978 and built a successful real estate career until retiring in October 2005. He attended the Port Charlotte United Methodist Church and was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 2153 of Port Charlotte.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Catherine “Kate” Gravesen of Port Charlotte; a son, Michael (Debra) Gravesen of Port Charlotte; a daughter, Cynthia (Michael) Figger of New Berlin; a sister, Elsie (Leif) Zakariassen of Elks Grove, Calif.; five grandsons, David, James and Peter Gravesen, Barrett and Tyson Smith; two sisters-in-law, Betty Mascolo of Commack and Barbara Sweeney of Syracuse; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and half sister, Hazel Hilsinger.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.
Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin at 2 p.m. Friday with Reverend Dr. John Hill and Sheree Acre officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, New Berlin.