Michael Graham

Michael “Mike” Arthur Graham, 70, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Monday January 20, 2020 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Monday, January 27 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, January 26 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Prayers with close friends and family will be held at 1:30. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.

Mike was born in Ottawa, IL to Francis "Fritz” and Rita (Schwamberger) Graham. He graduated from Marquette High School in 1968. He married Elizabeth “Liz” Weltin in Marseilles, IL in 1976.

Mike retired from the Ottawa Post Office after working as a letter carrier for 45 years. He enjoyed gardening and sharing his beautiful vegetables with friends, and he loved beekeeping with his brother, David and sister-in-law Jane, tending to hives and selling honey at the Ottawa farmer’s market. He was known for his generous spirit, friendliness, love of growing things, ability to fix anything, and an encyclopedic knowledge of local addresses.

He is survived by his wife, Liz; two daughters, Jill Graham of Arlington, VA and Terri Graham of New Albany, OH; one adoring grandson Christopher “Fuff” Graham; two sisters, Karen Johnson and Mary (Kenneth) Johnson; and sisters in law, Jane Graham, Patricia Graham, and Judy Graham-Rowe.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dennis, Lorin, and David Graham.

Pallbearers will be Troy Graham, Brendan Graham, Nathan Johnson, Jaime Johnson, Kate Graham, and Aaron Ayres. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Miller, Mike Harney, and Ed Riebe.

Memorials may be directed to the Community Food Basket in Ottawa.