September 20, 1955 - March 27, 2021
Ishpeming - Richard Silas Graham, age 65, longtime Ishpeming resident, entered life eternal on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice. He had courageously battled Stage 4 lung cancer for 21 months.
Rick was born September 20, 1955 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Kenneth and Charlotte Graham. He was a 1973 graduate of Ishpeming High School and honorably served in the United States Navy from October 1973 through October 1977 in San Diego, California, as an aircraft mechanic. He received the National Defense Service medal on April 21, 1976. He received numerous accolades that were found in his service record. "His good-natured personality contributed to high shop morale and he was considered an outstanding, enthusiastic, and definite asset to the division and squadron." After returning to Ishpeming, he was employed and retired from CCI after 31 years as a plant repairman.
During his retirement he loved attending his grandkid's sporting events and musical programs. He was finally starting to understand the rules of tennis and could always be counted on to know the inning and score of their softball games. His other passion was maintaining his lawn, which was meticulous. It was always lush, green, and perfectly mowed.
Beside his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Roy Thomas, nephew Mark Gadzinski, sister-in-law Julie Graham, and canine companion Penney.
Rick is survived by his wife Karen whom he was married to for 44 years, 5 months, and 5 days. You truly witnessed the vows "to love and cherish in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad" in the way she faithfully stood by and cared for him. His daughter Angela (Eric) Kiviniemi, who still needs to return the stud finder and roof rake she borrowed from him. Daughter, Nicole (Brad) Stille, who still owed him a prime rib dinner for that one time the Lions beat the Packers. Son, Justin (favorite daughter in law Beth) who was ALWAYS blamed for anything "missing" in his garage or basement, even though it was never him. His grandkids Landen & Sonja Kiviniemi and Ashley & Hannah Stille brought him so much joy. He was so proud of everything they did and always let them know they were "The Best." He never let them leave without an "I love you" or "love you more."
He will be missed by his brother Kim (Poway, CA), sister Pam (Pete) Gadzinski, Jean (Paul) Bertucci (MN). Mother and stepfather-in-law Marilyn & Donald Jandron, brother-in-law Allen Thomas (WI), sister-in-law Kathy (Alan) Korpi (WI), brother-in-law Dale (Michele) Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews and grandpups.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place and internment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock, Ishpeming, where Richard was a member. Pastor Matt Osborne will be officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the service by the US Navy. The family will greet friends and relatives from noon until the time of the service at 1PM. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices.
The family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Prevost and the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Paula Salagovich - for you there are no words, we will never forget your compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to UP Home Health & Hospice in memory of Rick.
Ishpeming - Richard Silas Graham, age 65, longtime Ishpeming resident, entered life eternal on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice. He had courageously battled Stage 4 lung cancer for 21 months.
Rick was born September 20, 1955 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Kenneth and Charlotte Graham. He was a 1973 graduate of Ishpeming High School and honorably served in the United States Navy from October 1973 through October 1977 in San Diego, California, as an aircraft mechanic. He received the National Defense Service medal on April 21, 1976. He received numerous accolades that were found in his service record. "His good-natured personality contributed to high shop morale and he was considered an outstanding, enthusiastic, and definite asset to the division and squadron." After returning to Ishpeming, he was employed and retired from CCI after 31 years as a plant repairman.
During his retirement he loved attending his grandkid's sporting events and musical programs. He was finally starting to understand the rules of tennis and could always be counted on to know the inning and score of their softball games. His other passion was maintaining his lawn, which was meticulous. It was always lush, green, and perfectly mowed.
Beside his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Roy Thomas, nephew Mark Gadzinski, sister-in-law Julie Graham, and canine companion Penney.
Rick is survived by his wife Karen whom he was married to for 44 years, 5 months, and 5 days. You truly witnessed the vows "to love and cherish in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad" in the way she faithfully stood by and cared for him. His daughter Angela (Eric) Kiviniemi, who still needs to return the stud finder and roof rake she borrowed from him. Daughter, Nicole (Brad) Stille, who still owed him a prime rib dinner for that one time the Lions beat the Packers. Son, Justin (favorite daughter in law Beth) who was ALWAYS blamed for anything "missing" in his garage or basement, even though it was never him. His grandkids Landen & Sonja Kiviniemi and Ashley & Hannah Stille brought him so much joy. He was so proud of everything they did and always let them know they were "The Best." He never let them leave without an "I love you" or "love you more."
He will be missed by his brother Kim (Poway, CA), sister Pam (Pete) Gadzinski, Jean (Paul) Bertucci (MN). Mother and stepfather-in-law Marilyn & Donald Jandron, brother-in-law Allen Thomas (WI), sister-in-law Kathy (Alan) Korpi (WI), brother-in-law Dale (Michele) Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews and grandpups.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place and internment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock, Ishpeming, where Richard was a member. Pastor Matt Osborne will be officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the service by the US Navy. The family will greet friends and relatives from noon until the time of the service at 1PM. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices.
The family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Prevost and the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Paula Salagovich - for you there are no words, we will never forget your compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to UP Home Health & Hospice in memory of Rick.
September 20, 1955 - March 27, 2021
Ishpeming - Richard Silas Graham, age 65, longtime Ishpeming resident, entered life eternal on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice. He had courageously battled Stage 4 lung cancer for 21 months.
Rick was born September 20, 1955 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Kenneth and Charlotte Graham. He was a 1973 graduate of Ishpeming High School and honorably served in the United States Navy from October 1973 through October 1977 in San Diego, California, as an aircraft mechanic. He received the National Defense Service medal on April 21, 1976. He received numerous accolades that were found in his service record. "His good-natured personality contributed to high shop morale and he was considered an outstanding, enthusiastic, and definite asset to the division and squadron." After returning to Ishpeming, he was employed and retired from CCI after 31 years as a plant repairman.
During his retirement he loved attending his grandkid's sporting events and musical programs. He was finally starting to understand the rules of tennis and could always be counted on to know the inning and score of their softball games. His other passion was maintaining his lawn, which was meticulous. It was always lush, green, and perfectly mowed.
Beside his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Roy Thomas, nephew Mark Gadzinski, sister-in-law Julie Graham, and canine companion Penney.
Rick is survived by his wife Karen whom he was married to for 44 years, 5 months, and 5 days. You truly witnessed the vows "to love and cherish in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad" in the way she faithfully stood by and cared for him. His daughter Angela (Eric) Kiviniemi, who still needs to return the stud finder and roof rake she borrowed from him. Daughter, Nicole (Brad) Stille, who still owed him a prime rib dinner for that one time the Lions beat the Packers. Son, Justin (favorite daughter in law Beth) who was ALWAYS blamed for anything "missing" in his garage or basement, even though it was never him. His grandkids Landen & Sonja Kiviniemi and Ashley & Hannah Stille brought him so much joy. He was so proud of everything they did and always let them know they were "The Best." He never let them leave without an "I love you" or "love you more."
He will be missed by his brother Kim (Poway, CA), sister Pam (Pete) Gadzinski, Jean (Paul) Bertucci (MN). Mother and stepfather-in-law Marilyn & Donald Jandron, brother-in-law Allen Thomas (WI), sister-in-law Kathy (Alan) Korpi (WI), brother-in-law Dale (Michele) Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews and grandpups.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place and internment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock, Ishpeming, where Richard was a member. Pastor Matt Osborne will be officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the service by the US Navy. The family will greet friends and relatives from noon until the time of the service at 1PM. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices.
The family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Prevost and the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Paula Salagovich - for you there are no words, we will never forget your compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to UP Home Health & Hospice in memory of Rick.
Ishpeming - Richard Silas Graham, age 65, longtime Ishpeming resident, entered life eternal on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at his home under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice. He had courageously battled Stage 4 lung cancer for 21 months.
Rick was born September 20, 1955 in Ishpeming, Michigan to the late Kenneth and Charlotte Graham. He was a 1973 graduate of Ishpeming High School and honorably served in the United States Navy from October 1973 through October 1977 in San Diego, California, as an aircraft mechanic. He received the National Defense Service medal on April 21, 1976. He received numerous accolades that were found in his service record. "His good-natured personality contributed to high shop morale and he was considered an outstanding, enthusiastic, and definite asset to the division and squadron." After returning to Ishpeming, he was employed and retired from CCI after 31 years as a plant repairman.
During his retirement he loved attending his grandkid's sporting events and musical programs. He was finally starting to understand the rules of tennis and could always be counted on to know the inning and score of their softball games. His other passion was maintaining his lawn, which was meticulous. It was always lush, green, and perfectly mowed.
Beside his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Roy Thomas, nephew Mark Gadzinski, sister-in-law Julie Graham, and canine companion Penney.
Rick is survived by his wife Karen whom he was married to for 44 years, 5 months, and 5 days. You truly witnessed the vows "to love and cherish in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad" in the way she faithfully stood by and cared for him. His daughter Angela (Eric) Kiviniemi, who still needs to return the stud finder and roof rake she borrowed from him. Daughter, Nicole (Brad) Stille, who still owed him a prime rib dinner for that one time the Lions beat the Packers. Son, Justin (favorite daughter in law Beth) who was ALWAYS blamed for anything "missing" in his garage or basement, even though it was never him. His grandkids Landen & Sonja Kiviniemi and Ashley & Hannah Stille brought him so much joy. He was so proud of everything they did and always let them know they were "The Best." He never let them leave without an "I love you" or "love you more."
He will be missed by his brother Kim (Poway, CA), sister Pam (Pete) Gadzinski, Jean (Paul) Bertucci (MN). Mother and stepfather-in-law Marilyn & Donald Jandron, brother-in-law Allen Thomas (WI), sister-in-law Kathy (Alan) Korpi (WI), brother-in-law Dale (Michele) Thomas, numerous nieces, nephews and grandpups.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place and internment will be at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock, Ishpeming, where Richard was a member. Pastor Matt Osborne will be officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the service by the US Navy. The family will greet friends and relatives from noon until the time of the service at 1PM. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices.
The family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion shown by Dr. Prevost and the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice, especially his nurse Paula Salagovich - for you there are no words, we will never forget your compassion. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be directed to UP Home Health & Hospice in memory of Rick.
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