Noted Lincoln citizen Robert 'Bob' Graue passes

[May 15, 2009] Robert E. "Bob" Graue, 79, retired General Motors dealer in Lincoln, died Friday, May 15, 2009, at 3:23 a.m.

Bob and Joan Graue resided in Lincoln, where they owned and operated Graue Chevrolet Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac Cadillac until Bob's retirement in 1999.

Bob started in the automobile business as a commissioned salesman at Augspurger & Pleines Buick Chevrolet in 1953. He became sales manager there in 1954. He started buying stock in the business from Gene Partlow in April 1964, and the name changed to Partlow & Graue Chevrolet.

Bob became the sole General Motors dealer in Logan County in the late 1990s after purchasing separate Pontiac-Cadillac and Oldsmobile franchises from two other dealers. He also assisted in the purchase of Reuss Chevrolet in Mason City with his son-in-law Bradley J. Nikles in 1988. Nikles Motors Company in Mason City went on to acquire Buick and Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep.

Bob and Joan had six children: Beth, Mark, Barb, Steve, Tom (deceased) and Chris. There are eight grandchildren.

Bob was named Lincoln Courier Citizen of the Year, Rotarian of the Year, served on Chevrolet national and regional dealer councils, and was active with countless community groups and civic board memberships.

He was an AVID Illini football and basketball fan.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Holland Barry and Bennett in Lincoln.

Memorials may be made to Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Humane Society of Logan County or Holy Family Church.

Graue Inc. will be closed Monday in honor of Bob Graue.

[Text from file received from Chris Graue]

(See obituary.)