Leo Raymond Graham

Leo Raymond Graham, 76, of Earlville, IL, passed away Monday June 7, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by his wife and three children.

Memorial Services will be at 10:00 am Friday June 11, at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Ghishain Inai officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, June 10, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Leo was born August 5, 1944, in Ottawa, IL, to James and Mary (McConville) Graham. He was raised in a farming family in Waltham Township. He graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Ottawa, IL in 1963. He served as a staff Sergeant and rifle instructor with the US Army reserve and was honorably discharged in 1972.  In 1974, he began a lifetime of farming in Serena Township, a vocation he loved.  Leo was a retired plumber and pipefitter with Local 597, and helped to build many area schools and hospitals. He was a member of St. Theresa's Parish, Earlville; the Earlville Country Club; LaSalle County Farm Bureau; and formerly the Illinois Valley Horseman Association, WA-Shee Riders; and the Fox Valley Trail Riders.

Leo was able to enjoy retirement, spending the winters in Ocala, Florida. He had a life long passion for western saddle riding, enjoyed taking his boat out fishing, and became an avid golfer. He enjoyed working in his shop making useful objects and restored vintage tractors riding them in local parades.

His greatest love and pride was his family. He enjoyed 53 loving years with his wife, Candace Raye (Brandenburg) Graham, who survives him. He is also survived by his three children, Mark (Allan) Graham of Seattle, Washington, Melissa (Chris) Trivisonno, of Channahon, IL, and Laurie Pauley of Genesco, IL; his four grandchildren, Faith (Evan) Matakiewicz, Nick and Nico Trivisonno, and Jacob (Caitlyn) Pauley; his four great grandchildren, Avery, Harper and Sadie Matakiewicz, and Estes Pauley; his four brothers, Jay (Diane), Marty (Kay), Dean (Joni), and Dale (Joan) Graham; and his sister Connie Malone.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Theresa's in Earlville or the Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago.