Katie Lou Graul, nee Back, 86, of Cahokia, Illinois, born December 30, 1933, in Paragould, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020, at the St. Louis Altenheim.

Katie was retired from Cahokia Unit School District 187. She was a member of Maplewood Church of Christ in Cahokia, IL, for 60 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill Graul; her parents, Joseph and Anna, nee Geraths, Back; three brothers, Joseph "J.R." Back, Jr., John Ellis Back, and William Eugene Back; and a sister, Dorothy Rose Frost.

Surviving are her children, Vanessa Peterson of St. Louis, MO, Michael (Sarah) Graul of Searcy, AR, and Leta (Fernando) Grigsby of St. Charles, MO; a brother, James Edward Back of Paragould AR; a sister, Jo Ann Back of Paragould, AR; eight grandchildren: Patrick (Laura) Peterson, Marjie (Jim) Trautt, Andy (Grace Randolph) Peterson, Ben (Jodi) Graul, Bonnie (Jeff) Thomas, Jamie (Michael) Jerkins, Laura (Waylon) Finch, Blake (Jamie) Timmerman; and 14 great grand children; Katie was a dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Condolences may be expressed online at braunfh.com.

Memorials may be made to the Paragould Children's Home, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450 or to Vitas (Hospice) Community Connection, 1801 Park 270 Drive, Suite #150, St. Louis, MO 63146

Private funeral services will be held. A public Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Services are under the direction of the staff at Braun Colonial Funeral Home, Cahokia, Illinois.