Gary L. Graham, 77, of Hutchinson passed away of Friday, January 24, 2025, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. Memorial Service was held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Cross Point Church in Hutchinson.
Clergy Officiating: Pastor Dan Moose; Pianist: Cheryl Moose; Video Music: “He Was There All the Time”; Congregational Hymns: “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, “Because He Lives”; Reader: Brother, Tim Graham; Sharing Memories: Sons, Troy, Mike, and Chris Graham; Memories of Grandpa; Grandchildren, Grace Graham and Derek Graham Gary Graham was born on January 3, 1948, in Wadena to John C. and Beulah R. (Sams) Graham. His early life was marked by resilience, as he battled rheumatic fever at ages 7 and 13. These early health challenges and God’s healing miracles laid the foundation for his enduring faith in Christ.
At age 16, Gary worked for Youth Job Corps, building fire trails and campsites around Huntersville. During high school, he worked as a “carry-out” at Red Owl and later as a TV repairman in Wadena and Staples while attending electronics school. After graduating high school, Gary pursued further education at Wadena Vocational School, earning a degree in electronics. In 1968, he and his father, John, attended night classes in radio communications at NDSU.
Gary met Marion during a youth event at church and they began dating in high school. On June 28, 1969, they were married at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, celebrating 55 years of marriage. They started their life together in a small upstairs apartment in Litchfield where Marion worked as a lab technician at Litchfield Hospital. Gary briefly worked at a TV repair shop before joining 3M in Hutchinson in 1969. He enjoyed a successful 35 1 ⁄ 2– year career at 3M as a senior electrical technician before retiring.
In 1970, Gary and Marion moved to Hutchinson, purchasing their first home for $16,500. In 1993, they built their dream home five miles outside Hutchinson. In retirement, Gary worked as a greeter at Walmart’s Tire Department and spent several harvest seasons driving tractor for his good friend.
Gary and Marion’s faith was a cornerstone of their lives. They were actively involved in their church community, hosting Bible studies and small gatherings in their home. Gary’s joy in Christ was evident as he shared insights from his Bible studies with others.
The couple also enjoyed traveling together, exploring 23 states on their motorcycle as members of Christian Motorcyclists Association. Marion often captured their adventures by taking pictures over Gary’s shoulder. Gary was an avid Ham Radio operator, delighting in conversations with people from around the world.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marion, of Hutchinson; three sons, Troy (Melanie) of Waconia, Michael (Tessa) of Hutchinson, and Christoffer (Maria) of Hamel; grandchildren, Kassie (Jacob), Derek (Claire), and Dawson (Annie); Paul, Samuel, Kirsten, and Joshua; Grace (Xander), John, Jose Antonio, Blanca, and Carlos; and three great-grandchildren, Arie, Aletta, and Noa. He is also survived by his brother, Tim (Pam), sister Verlene (Art), and many nieces and nephews.
Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Beulah R. Sams Graham; father, John C. Graham; sister, Janis C. Walker; and brother, John Thomas, who passed away at birth a year before Gary was born.
Gary’s life reflected his unwavering faith, deep love for his family and wholehearted commitment to serving others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online 0bituaries and guestbook available at www.hantge.com.
