Ervin Vern Vangraefschepe, 88, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at the Valley View Villa Care Center in Fort Morgan. Mr. Vangraefschepe was born May 25, 1919, in what was known as the Belgian settlement southeast of Stoneham to Floribert and Estella Clark Vangraefschepe. He was raised in the Stoneham area and graduated from Stoneham High School in 1938. He was drafted into the Army for World War II in April, 1942, and landed in Accra, Africa, about 70 miles north of the Equator. He was a sergeant and convoy section leader and served 44 months in the African Theater—37 of those at the same base in Africa. He was discharged in November, 1945, and returned to marry Doris Box of New Raymer on December 20, 1945, in Sterling, Colorado. They farmed for over 40 years after purchasing a farm south of New Raymer. Ervin dearly loved machinery, tractors, and farming. The 40 years found him farming in the hot sun going round and round the fields with 8 and 10-foot machinery and ended with big tractors and combines with cabs, air conditioning, and 60-foot machinery. He was an avid fisherman and hunter; loved camping, traveling, music, dancing, playing cards; and visiting with his friends and neighbors. In 1978 they bought a home in New Raymer and moved from the family farm where they lived until moving to Fort Morgan in 2003. Survivors include his wife Doris of Fort Morgan; two daughters, Carol Lambert and husband Cary of New Raymer, and their children Chris, Chad, Cara Draegert, and Cyle; Diane Miller and husband Carl of Gunnison, and their children Kayedeane Samber and Shanan Kessinger; and one son, Wayne Vangraefschepe and wife Teresa of Fort Morgan, and their children Carter, Kaitlin, and Keaton; 8 great-grandchildren, Trenton, Jenna and Reese, Quinton and Delaney, Jaxson, Kacyn and Addicyn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Leonard; and an infant daughter. Graveside services will be Friday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m. at the New Raymer Cemetery with a reception following at the New Raymer Community Center. Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan is in charge of cremation arrangements. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts in care of Heer Mortuary.