Gerald Anthony Graham passed away peacefully December 12, 2011, at Rocky Mountain Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born April 29, 1931 to Robert and Elizabeth “Liz” Graham. He was raised in East Helena and attended Helena High School. He later attended the Oregon Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a degree in drafting. Jerry served in the United States Air Force from 1950 – 1954. This service included a tour of duty in the Philippine Islands during the Korean Conflict. In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Grose at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. The couple lived in Florida until the end of Jerry’s military duty. They then moved back to East Helena where they would build their lives and raise their family.
In 1958, he began his professional career as a draftsman at Morrison-Maierle Consulting Engineers. In the early 70’s, he spent a year overseas with a handful of co-workers designing roads and infrastructure in Vietnam. Jerry spent 37 years at Morrison – Maierle, working hard among the many people that he called friends. While he took great pride in his work, he also took pride in winning the pinochle game played almost daily around the lunch room table.
In his free time, Jerry enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. In his later years, golf became his passion. Of course there was always time for the occasional evening pinochle game with friends. Every year brought a new vacation destination. Though not extravagant, the family vacations will be kept in the hearts and memories of his kids forever.
Jerry was very active in SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, and was recently presented with the Monsignor Mavsar award for excellent service. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and was a member of the VFW Post 10010. He sat on the St. Ann’s Cemetery board, and was a Councilman for the City of East Helena. He spent many hours with his good friend, Peter Petek, helping beautify St Ann’s Cemetery. When someone needed a helping hand, Jerry’s hand was among the first extended.
Jerry is survived by his wife Mary Louise of East Helena. His children Doug (Linda) Graham of Helena, Paul (Beckie) Graham of Helena, and Janet (Don) Gies of Belgrade. Grandchildren Brian and Nick Graham, Kelli (Jeff) Hoffman, Justin, Beth, Krissy and Sara Gies, Adam, Amy and Alex Graham of Florida, and Chase Elizabeth Graham. Great Grandchildren Sam Hoffman and baby Zoee, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and countless cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Graham, and son James Allen (Linda) Graham.
Jerry will always be remembered for his sense of humor. When his health failed, his ability to bring happiness remained. So remember, no matter how bad things get, keep smiling and don’t throw your clubs! Funeral services will be Thursday December 22, 2011 at 1:00 PM at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. A reception will follow preceding the burial at St. Anns cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Ann’s Cemetery, the Talking Book program at the Montana State Library, or an organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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David Ryan Jr. says
To: Paul Graham and family,
Paul, this is David Ryan II, I am extremely sorry for what you and your family is going through right now. I offer my deepest condolences to each and every one of you.
It is comforting to know that your dad was such an awesome person and everyone was blessed to know him. It is also comforting to know that he is with God now watching over all his family and friends.
I wanted to come today to pay my respects to your father as well as you and your whole family, because of my work schedule I sadly will not be back to Montana to do so.
Please do remember you and your family have my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
David Ryan II
Dennis & Shannon Meyer says
Paul, Becki, Chase and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with you at this difficult time. God Bless you
don & kay smith says
Dear Paul,
Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Florence Armagost says
Mary Louise and Family
My prayers are with you and I ask God to put his arms around you to give you peace and comfort and strength. May your memories bring the smiles when you are having a down day.
Florence Armagost
Grand Bay Al
Geoff and Janet Kracher says
Weezie and family, We are so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I noticed in the IR on line today which I look at from time to time. We are in Denver, Co.
Glen Cuchine says
Dear Louise and family, know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I recall with fondness the days in our neighborhood on W. Riggs. Bless you all, Glen Cuchine, Boise, ID
Greg, Cindi & Derrick Olesen says
Our prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Greg, Jennifer, Andrew, Amelia and Olivia Grose says
Dear Aunt Weezie and Graham Family,
We are sending our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Judy and Leonard Ober says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Lynn Worsech says
Paul, I am so sorry to hear about your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jean (Rigler) DeGroat says
I am so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Scott and Angela Dupuis says
Mrs. Graham and Family, we are so sorry to hear the passing of Jerry. He was such a great man, and a special friend to my parents Don and Sharon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.
Tracy Mabry says
So sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in my thoughts!