GRAHAM, Gary John 1941-2003

GRAHAM, TUMILSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/31/2009 at 15:30:02

GARY JOHN GRAHAM

ROCKFORD, IOWA - Gary John Graham, 62, of 402 Second Ave. N. W. in Rockford, died Thursday evening (Jan. 9, 2003) at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church, 205 First Ave. N.W. in Rockford.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 302 W. Main in Rockford, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (641) 756-3311.

Globe Gazette, Jan. 11, 2003
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Gary John Graham, 62, the son of Minnie (Tumilson) and William J. Graham, Sr., was born Jan. 3, 1941, in Rockford, and died Thursday evening, Jan. 9, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City, due to complications of diabetes. Gary's life will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church, 205 1st Ave. NW, Rockford, with the Rev. Kenneth Kent officiating.

Visitation will be held Monday at Fullerton-Schumburg Funeral Home in Rockford from 4 -- 7 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gary J. Graham Memorial Fund.

"Ringo," as he was fondly known by many, lived in the Rockford area all his life, most currently at 402 2nd Ave. NW.

Gary received his education and graduated in 1959 from Rockford Community Schools. While in high school, Gary was known for his athletic ability, achieving notoriety on both the football and baseball teams. Opposing teams feared his talent when he stood on the pitching mound, as he was often one who threw "no hitters!" Gary provided well and worked hard for his family. He was employed at Trettin's Hatchery, Rockford Brick and Tile and White Farm Equipment in Charles City, where he worked until he retired due to ill health in 1969. He met his wife, Connie, while in high school and the couple were married on April 6, 1963 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They celebrated 39 married years together and experienced many great memories, such as roller-skating in Clear Lake and at the "portable rink" in Rockford. He was a very talented and graceful skater.

Gary and Connie were fans of country music and frequently attended dances. Gary so loved country music that he listened to it daily until his death. His favorite music entertainers were Vince Gill, Freddie Fender and Johnny Cash. Three of his special songs was "Look At Us," "Before The Last Teardrop Falls," and "Go Rest High On That Mountain."

Throughout his life, some of Gary's interests and leisure time included, small game hunting, "cat-fishing" with his Dad, shopping with Connie, his dog, Rascal, and having coffee with his former co-workers from White Farm Equipment. He will be well remembered for his great sense of humor and surrounding himself with wit and laughter. His sons, William and Robert have fond memories of fishing trips with their Dad in Northern Minnesota.

Gary's family and friends spent several summers at Little Island Lake and Chippewa Forest in Minnesota. Black bears occasionally entertained them while vacationing and they enjoyed special time and memories together while staying in the cabins, secluded 25 miles from the nearest town His grandchildren were extremely special and important to Gary as he will be greatly and sadly missed by his five grandchildren, Lacey, Kaleb, Shawn, Zachery and Kristina.

Gary is survived by his wife, Connie; his two sons, William Graham and friend, Mary; and Robert Graham and wife, Cindy; his mother, Minnie Graham; his brother, William Graham, Jr. and wife, Sharon; special aunt, Ida Roberts; special family friend, Jeanne Sigler; and his five grandchildren, all of Rockford. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

His father, William J. Graham, Sr., his maternal and paternal grandparents, and two brother-in-laws, Jerry and Elmer Hewitt have preceded him in death.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 641-756-3311, www.fullertonfh.com .