Service Information
Gary L. Graham, age 77, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at CrossPoint Church in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., two hours prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Gary Graham was born on January 3, 1948, in Wadena, Minnesota, 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 the Youth Job Corps, building fire trails and campsites around Huntersville, Minnesota. 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, Minnesota, where Marion worked as a Lab Technician at the Litchfield Hospital. Gary briefly worked at a TV repair shop before joining 3M in Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 1969. He enjoyed a successful 35½-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 the 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.
SANDY WRIGHT says
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. GARY WAS A FINE CHRISTIAN MAN AND NEIGHBOR. GOD BLESS.
Yalanda Rishovd says
I want to express my feelings of sadness due to my dear cousin Gary’s passing from this earth to his heavenly home! I love Gary very much, he was a child of God! He was very giving , I love he & dear Marion his sweet life!
Love until we meet again in heaven!
Robyn Willard says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I have so many fond memories of him. When I was a little girl, he nicknamed me “Sparrow,” and I always loved that special name for me! I loved his humor and his little smirk. I spent countless hours at the Graham residence over the years, and those moments hold a special place in my heart.
I am grateful for the shared hope in Christ that Gary held, and I look forward to the promise of seeing him again one day. My prayers are with Marion, the boys—Troy, Michael, and Christoffer, my lifelong friend—and their families during this difficult time. Sending all my love to you.
Linda Roles says
Chris and Maria,
So very sorry about your dad. It really was a survivor, after all he has been through with his health and being there for Marion everyday!
Sorry, I will not be able to be out of rehab in time for the funeral but know you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Linda and Keith
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
My sympathies to Gary’s family. I also worked at 3M and Gary would stop by and say “Hi” or ask how my in-laws were doing, if he were passing by the stockroom. Always a caring gentleman. He was very proud of his family.
Dee Hemmann says
To the Graham family,
Norb and I want to express our sincere sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you have the assurance that Gary was welcomed into his heavenly home. Hugs, Norb and Dee Hemmann
Mike Daak says
Sorry for your loss, Graham family. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Larry. Shelly says
May your memories bring you comfort and peace. praying for you and your family. Rejoicing with Gary and the heavens for his salvation. Larry and I were part of one of his many Bible studies and very blessed because of him.
Cara Hemmesch says
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Graham. My mother was a resident at Woodstone up until Aug 2024 in the same neighborhood as Marion and I would pop in every few days with my puppy Kirby. Both Gary and Marion sure got a kick out of him and I loved sharing him with them and hearing stories about their life. I am so sad to hear of his passing. From the little interaction I had with him I knew he was a very special fella. I never saw him miss a meal with his wife. It sure looked like true love. Prayers for comfort in the days ahead.
Patrick & Heidi Wight says
When our family first moved to Hutchinson from Mankato, the Grahams were one of the first to welcome us to the neighborhood and show us true Christian hospitality and love. Gary was a constant joker and his smile was infectious. Never saw him mad, but Troy Mike and Chris might have a different opinion on that. Marion, God bless you and your family as we all look forward to a joyful reunion with Gary again with our Savior, Jesus.
Karen Snow says
Marion,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. I knew him when taking care of you at Woodstone. He was a joy to get to know and his stories were always worth listening to.
Norma says
To Marion, Troy, Michael, Chris and the spouses and extended family,
I will be thinking of you during this time of mourning and remembrances.
Hold your favorite memories close to your heart!
With love,
Norma
Keith and Ann Broscoff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time when you are laughing as you recall all the joyous times and weeping as you consider the days ahead without him. We are unable to attend the service this Saturday, but know that we will be thinking of you all and wishing you a day filled with blessed memories. We mourn with you in your loss, but rejoice with you in his gain as he now stands in awe of the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ with no more pain and suffering.
Keith and Ann Broscoff
Debbie Robinson Smith says
Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of Gary’s family. We were cousins & when we were young we were able to see each other when they would vaca in MO. As we grew older our visits were fewer as I live n AZ. Gary & I would email each other periodically & he always had a laugh for me just like his father always would. He would always end his email “ your cousin from the frozen tundra down under”. I am so thankful something told me to call him about 21/2 wks ago. He sounded so good & we had great laughs. He was a great guy & loved his wife & family. He will be missed dearly but know he was welcomed with open arms. Love to his family
Debbie Robinson Smith & Randy