June 7, 1947 – May 18, 2026
John G. Graas, 78, of Kirkwood, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026. He was born on June 7, 1947, in Buffalo, New York, to the late John J. Graas and Jane Sharp. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alison Graas, with whom he shared 36 years of partnership, laughter, and devotion, and by his stepdaughter, Megan Frederick.
John is survived by his brother, John “David” Graas; his loving partner, Betsy Dow; his step‑sons, Chris Jones and Scott Frederick; and his cherished grandchildren—Alison (Ashley), Drew (Jasmine), and Regan. He also leaves behind two great‑granddaughters, Flora and Millie, who brought him immense joy in his later years.
John lived a full and wonderful life, marked by curiosity, achievement, and a deep commitment to others. He graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and later earned his Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Guided by both intellect and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Systems Design Associates (SDA, Inc.), a computer software development company that reflected his forward‑thinking approach and passion for innovation.
A member of St. Peter’s Parish in Kirkwood, John grounded his life in faith and service. He volunteered his time helping at‑risk youth improve their reading skills, believing wholeheartedly in the power of education and opportunity. His interests were wide‑ranging—he once held a private pilot’s license and maintained a lifelong love of travel, classical music, and art.
John will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, his generosity, and the quiet steadiness with which he supported the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the many lives he touched.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Kirkwood, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Church, the St. Louis Symphony, or a charity of your choice.
John was my older cousin and I didn’t know him that well. His mother was a great person, and I want to extend my condolences to David and the rest of John’s family.
John (I knew him as Greg) was my cousin. My mother, Barbara Neal Beeson, and Greg’s mother Jane Sharp, were sisters who maintained a close friendship throughout their lives. Greg and I saw each other at Neal family gatherings in Dorset, Ontario (where Greg’s mother carved a gorgeous totem pole at Grandfather Neal’s cottage on the Lake of Bays); and in Vermont. We grew apart as we each started our own families and professional lives, but he and his brother David and their wonderful mother “Aunt Jane” were a treasured part of the large Neal family. Laura and I send our warmest condolences to Greg’s extended family members.
John was a dedicated tutor for our Heart-to-Heart team at Robinson Elementary. We value his commitment to helping his students learn to read. He brought warmth and a real desire to expand the students’ boundaries.
We are grateful for John’s contribution to our Heart-to-Heart Tutoring team.
My condolences to John’s family. Three children benefitted from his individualized tutoring; small consistent actions make ripples.
Greg was my cousin with my mother and his mother being sisters. Although our paths never crossed as much as I would have liked, I will always remember his kind manner and inquisitive nature. RIP, Greg.
Greg was my cousin with my mother and his mother being sisters. Although our paths never crossed as much as I would have liked, I will always remember his kind nature and inquisitive nature. R.I.P., Greg.
My Condolences to John’s family. I met John in a professional capacity as his company built and supported a system for the organization I work for. John was direct, supportive and consistently helpful to our team and we truly appreciated the contribution he made. John built a custom, one-of-a-kind system that we have relied on for the last 20 years. John’s work and professionalism will be remembered, and thoughts are with everyone whose lives were touched by this loss.
I started working with John in the early 80s when he was the software developer for the multi-specialty medical clinic where I worked. When my partner and I started our business in medical billing after the clinic closed and gave us the computer, John continued to support and write software for us. In the beginning, we had a chance to pitch to a hospital group way too large for our tiny company. John actually agreed to come to Detroit and demonstrate the product in person. His appearance gave us (2 28 year old women) the credibility that we needed to win the contract. I know he enjoyed his part in our company’s struggle and ultimate growth. Well, maybe not always enjoyed. We called on him constantly in the beginning and he always came through. As the years went by, our company stabilized and we “bothered” him less, although we could always count on him. We retired the business 2 years ago, and kept in touch. All of us at PPR are extremely sad to hear of the loss of John. He was truly integral to our lives and success.
Greg was my cousin. His father John roomed with my father, Jim Graas, growing up in Dubuque Iowa on Queen Street, and I miss them all…I just have David, Sally, & Carol left now as my Graas cousins, at this point. I’m 75 & I could not make the funeral today, sadly. Rest in peace, dear Greg.
Susan Graas Mckeever