Geoffrey “Jeff” Sewell, of Belgium, formerly of Grafton, passed away unexpectedly at his residence, on May 7, 2016, at the age of 68 years.
Jeff was born in Sahara Village, Utah, the son of the late Arnold Sewell and Eva (nee Pennington) Seymour. After his father passed away at an early age, their family relocated to Marinette and later to the Grafton area in 1959. Jeff attended Grafton High School where he excelled in basketball and received a scholarship to attend Marquette University. Jeff played division 1 basketball with the Marquette Warriors for four years, playing under Coach Al McGuire and Coach Hank Raymonds. Jeff finished his college career with a championship NIT run as the game’s leading scorer.
Jeff was united in marriage to Nancy Gramoll, on October 5, 1968, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Grafton. Shortly after their marriage, Jeff received calls to try-out for the Pacers, in the A.B.A., and Golden State, in the N.B.A., as well at the Dallas Cowboys, in the N.F.L. After much deliberation with his new wife, Jeff decided that his family was more important, and his family was blessed with two children, Dan and Lisa.
Jeff still holds many basketball records at Grafton High School and was also inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, in 2012.
Jeff and Nancy moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1984, and had resided their for 32 years. Last November, they decided to move back to Wisconsin, to be closer to their family and friends. Jeff enjoyed WWII history, classic movies, 50’s and 60’s music, reading, and was an avid sports fan.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy (nee Gramoll) Sewell, children, Dan (Kim) Sewell and Lisa (Jim) Murphy; grandchildren; Kaleigh, Tyler, Allie, Michael, Courtney, and Emily; mother, Eva (Charles “Ozzy”) Seymour, in-laws, Lucy (Jim) Hilgart, sisters, Pam (Charles) Clemens and Vicki Daniels, and brothers-in-law, Pete (Mary) Gramoll, Scott (Julie) Gramoll, Jimmy Hilgart, Mike (Cathy) Hilgart, and Bob (Kelly) Hilgart. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Sewell, brothers, Thomas Sewell and Steve Sewell, and father-in-law, Walter Gramoll.
A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, May 12, 2016, 7 pm at the Mueller Funeral Home, in Grafton. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, in Grafton.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, from 4 pm until 6:45 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials of your choice are appreciated.