David Graham
September 21, 1953 — October 28, 2019
David J. Graham, 66, of Fall River Township, died Sunday evening October 27, 2019 at his home. Visitation will be from 4 p.m until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at the Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 2nd at St. Columba Church in Ottawa with the Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.
Dave was born September 21, 1953 in Ottawa to Francis “Fritz” and Rita (Schwamberger) Graham. He attended St. Columba Grade School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1971. He attended IVCC and graduated from Illinois State University with a Masters degree in Education.
Dave was a respected and loved former teacher at Seneca Grade School. He is remembered for giving his students nicknames and his uncanny ability to recognize and remember those nicknames years later. He was passionate about not just being a teacher, but was a father-figure to his students and a champion for the underdog. He also enjoyed coaching girls basketball for many years. It was at Seneca Grade School that he met the love of his life, Jane (Hans) Graham, and in June of 1977 they married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Seneca. He built his home and raised their family on “the South Prairie” that he loved so much.
Dave was highly involved in his community. He served for many years on the Grand Ridge Grade School Board, was active in LaSalle County 4-H, and was the current Supervisor for Fall River Township. He was an incredibly hard worker, willing to offer help to anyone at the drop of a hat. He was skilled in gardening, woodworking, and beekeeping. In recent years, some of his most cherished hours were spent working the beehives with his wife, and brother Michael creating and selling their “Fall River Gold.” His family will most remember his impeccable memory, great love of corny jokes, ability to listen and give advice, and unconditional love for his children and grandchildren. He was simply the best man that many knew.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Fall River Township; two daughters, Bridget (Jefferey) Graham-Royer, and Alison (Tobit) Cosa, both of Edwardsville; one son, Brendan (Amy) Graham of Ottawa. Grandpa Dave will also be deeply missed by his seven grandchildren Logan, Olivia, Owen, Caleb, Emily, Alexandra, and Benjamin. Also surviving are sisters Karen Johnson of Lacon, IL, Mary (Kenneth) Johnson of Chillicothe, IL; one brother, Michael (Liz) Graham of Ottawa; and two sister-in-laws, Judy Graham-Rowe and Patricia Graham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Francis Graham, two brothers, Dennis and Lorin Graham, his father-in-law Carlan Hans, brother-in-law John Hans, and one nephew, Kenneth Johnson.
Pallbearers will be Brendan Graham, Jefferey Royer, Tobit Cosa, John Durdan, John Hughes, and Larry Hobbs. Honorary Pallbearer will be Michael Graham and Dan Anderson.
Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church Building Fund or the Ottawa Community Food Basket.
David J. Graham, 66, of Fall River Township, died Sunday evening October 27, 2019 at his home. Visitation will be from 4 p.m until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at the Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 2nd at St. Columba Church in Ottawa with the Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa.
Dave was born September 21, 1953 in Ottawa to Francis “Fritz” and Rita (Schwamberger) Graham. He attended St. Columba Grade School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1971. He attended IVCC and graduated from Illinois State University with a Masters degree in Education.
Dave was a respected and loved former teacher at Seneca Grade School. He is remembered for giving his students nicknames and his uncanny ability to recognize and remember those nicknames years later. He was passionate about not just being a teacher, but was a father-figure to his students and a champion for the underdog. He also enjoyed coaching girls basketball for many years. It was at Seneca Grade School that he met the love of his life, Jane (Hans) Graham, and in June of 1977 they married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Seneca. He built his home and raised their family on “the South Prairie” that he loved so much.
Dave was highly involved in his community. He served for many years on the Grand Ridge Grade School Board, was active in LaSalle County 4-H, and was the current Supervisor for Fall River Township. He was an incredibly hard worker, willing to offer help to anyone at the drop of a hat. He was skilled in gardening, woodworking, and beekeeping. In recent years, some of his most cherished hours were spent working the beehives with his wife, and brother Michael creating and selling their “Fall River Gold.” His family will most remember his impeccable memory, great love of corny jokes, ability to listen and give advice, and unconditional love for his children and grandchildren. He was simply the best man that many knew.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Fall River Township; two daughters, Bridget (Jefferey) Graham-Royer, and Alison (Tobit) Cosa, both of Edwardsville; one son, Brendan (Amy) Graham of Ottawa. Grandpa Dave will also be deeply missed by his seven grandchildren Logan, Olivia, Owen, Caleb, Emily, Alexandra, and Benjamin. Also surviving are sisters Karen Johnson of Lacon, IL, Mary (Kenneth) Johnson of Chillicothe, IL; one brother, Michael (Liz) Graham of Ottawa; and two sister-in-laws, Judy Graham-Rowe and Patricia Graham.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Francis Graham, two brothers, Dennis and Lorin Graham, his father-in-law Carlan Hans, brother-in-law John Hans, and one nephew, Kenneth Johnson.
Pallbearers will be Brendan Graham, Jefferey Royer, Tobit Cosa, John Durdan, John Hughes, and Larry Hobbs. Honorary Pallbearer will be Michael Graham and Dan Anderson.
Memorials may be directed to St. Columba Church Building Fund or the Ottawa Community Food Basket.
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