James Lester Grauerholz, born November 20, 1949, in Kensington, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 23rd surrounded by loved ones. He was 75 years old.

James was the son of Lester Henry Grauerholz and Mildred Minnie (Hermanns) Grauerholz of rural Athol, Kansas. He spent his early years in the countryside near Athol, attending grade school in Athol before graduating from Smith Center High School in 1967. James helped on the family farm while growing up and during summers while in college.

James attended Kansas State University, earning a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics in 1971, and later a master's degree in Adult and Occupational Education in 1983. While in college, he worked at a farm implement dealership, house construction and the Kansas State University Dairy Farm and Research facility. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on the same day he was awarded his bachelor's degree. Most of his time in the military was served in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. After leaving active duty he remained a member of the Army Reserves for many years, attaining the rank of Captain. James' 35-year career stared with Farm Credit Systems as a loan officer, where he eventually went on to retire from as the Senior Vice President of Administration of the U.S. AgBank in 2011.

On August 18, 1968, James married his high school sweetheart, Dianna Lyn Woods. Together they shared 51 years of devoted marriage until her passing on January 30, 2020. Their life together was one of unwavering love and partnership, raising three children: James (Jeanne) Grauerholz, Julie (Tony) Schaar, and Michael Grauerholz. James also lovingly welcomed a stepson, Jeff Mullikin, into his family.

On May 16, 2022, James remarried, finding companionship again with Kay Grauerholz. Their time together was a gift of joy and renewal.

James was a proud and loving grandfather to ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He treasured his family above all and found great fulfillment in watching it grow.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mildred Grauerholz; his wife, Dianna Grauerholz; siblings Patricia Gerstenkorn and Grace Hainke; and grandson Kyle Begin.

James's life was one of education, dedication to agriculture, deep family values, and Kansas State Football. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 28 at the First United Methodist Church in Valley Center with visitation 9-10 a.m. Graveside will follow at the Valley Center Cemetery. People are encouraged to wear K-State attire or purple to the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial for James Grauerholz has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502. Please indicate fund to M47503. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com