Joseph D. Graham's Obituary
Big Rapids Joseph David Graham, 53, of Chassell, formerly of Sault Ste. Marie, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 29, 2008, at the home of his sister in Big Rapids, after battling Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) for 11 years. Joe was born August 7, 1955 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the son of Leo and Wanda (McCarry) Graham. Joe graduated from Whitefish Township School in Paradise in 1973 and attended LSSU in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Growing up, Joe loved working at the family lumber mill. When he and his family moved to Chassell, he still enjoyed the outdoors, working on their blueberry farm on Klingville Road. He was employed by Michigan Department of Corrections for 21 years before he became ill; first at Kinross Correctional Facility and then at Baraga Maximum Facility. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Betty (Andrews); daughter Amy of Eaton Rapids; son Dan of Houghton; granddaughter, Kathryn of Eaton Rapids; his mother, Wanda Graham of Paradise, Michigan and Zephyrhills, Florida; sisters, Jayne Graham of Big Rapids, and Cindy (Dave) Reed of Paradise; brother, Honorable W. Clayton (Jamie) Graham of St. Ignace; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. At the familys request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday September 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Building in Paradise, Michigan with Pastor Mike Lane officiating. The Mohnke Funeral Home of Big Rapids is assisting the family.
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