Graham, Dr Thomas (1931-2014)

GRAHAM, HOWARD, SUAREZ

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 3/10/2020 at 13:40:30

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, April 23, 2014/Linns Funeral Home website

Dr. Thomas C. Graham, an Iowa Falls retired physician whose career spanned over 50 years, died on Monday, April 21st, at 83. Graham passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family. A Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Thomas C. Graham will be 10:30 am Friday, April 25, 2014 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 415 Main Street, Iowa Falls. A time of visitation for Dr. Thomas Graham will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Thursday, April 24th at St. Mark Catholic Church, 415 Main St. Iowa Falls. Burial will be at the St. Mark Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn's Funeral Home Iowa Falls Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Graham graduated in 1956 from Creighton University with a medical degree. He interned in Kansas City, Missouri, and in 1958 joined Dr. Burgess and his practice in Iowa Falls as a family practice physician. Subsequent to this he, along with his medical school comrades, Drs. Robert Dunlay and Herbert Gude, formed their own practice and provided services to Ellsworth Hospital. They were joined in 1974 by their partner, Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst. He and his partners became physicians for North Iowa Mercy Health after they partnered in 1995.

Thomas Graham served on various committees for the Iowa Medical Society and committed many years as a Delegate for the American Medical Association representing the Iowa Family Practice physicians in rural areas across the state. He was a charter member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and served on the Board of Directors. His love and commitment to his community was demonstrated in the many ways he contributed to ensuring Ellsworth hospital as a rural center of excellence.

Graham was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit and belief in paying it forward. He has been described as a Rockwell painting come to life with a patient-centered and humane approach to delivering care. A family practitioner for over 50 years- he still made house calls. In semi-retirement Graham still felt the need to give back and along with Mercy Health's support- championed and opened a Children's Clinic and continued to work half days. His career longevity demonstrates his commitment to his patients and his community.

Graham was a member of St. Mark's Parrish in Iowa Falls, IA and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Milford, IA. He spent a good deal of time in Okoboji and loved the atmosphere and great family atmosphere it provided. He loved fishing and boating on the lakes and after retiring was able to spend more time in the family home there.

Graham is survived by his wife, Gretchen; daughter Kathleen M.(Scott) Howard of Coconut Grove, FL; daughter Maureen E. Graham of Bal Harbour, FL; daughter Colleen (Chris) Suarez of Hollywood, FL; son Dennis (Sally) Graham of Urbandale, IA; and 5 grandchildren: Thomas, Victoria, Katie, David and Cody.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the following organizations: Creighton University School of Medicine Scholarship Fund, PO Box 30282, Omaha, NE 68103-1382; Hansen Family Hospital (physical therapy equipment and landscaping) 920 S. Oak Street, Iowa Falls, IA 50126; Sunnyside Dog Park, Scenic City Civic Foundation, PO Box 21, Iowa Falls, IA 50126