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Gerald Harrison Graichen

About

Eastern Michigan University

FUNERAL HOME

East Lawn South Sacramento Andrews & Greilich Mortuary

3939 Fruitridge Road

Sacramento, California

Gerald Graichen Obituary

GRAICHEN, Gerald Harrison
Aug 18, 1948 - Oct 23, 2007
Gerald was killed in a train accident at work on Tuesday. Gerald grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and attended Eastern Michigan University. He moved to California in 1970 and worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad (later the Union Pacific) from 1978 to the present. Gerald enjoyed his new Corvette, all animals, hiking and trips to his beloved Sierra. Gerald's friends counted him as the kindest and gentlest soul they knew. He has one great love in his life and that is his wife, Barbara. He is survived by his wife, his sister Elaine, numerous nieces and nephews, and more friends than he could count. There will be a visitation on Sunday from 3:00-6:00 pm, with a Rosary at 4:30 pm at Andrews and Greilich Funeral Home, 3939 Fruitridge Road. Services will also be held at Andrews and Greilich on Monday, October 29 at 10:30 am, with a reception to follow at St. Stephen the First Martyr Church. If desired, donations may be sent to the St. Stephen's Academy, 5461 44th St. Sacramento CA 95820.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Graichen

23 Entries

Debra Riendl

November 2, 2007

Hi Aunt Barbara,
I was just reading the guest book for Uncle Gerald and it touched my heart to hear how loved he was. Everyone is in complete agreement that he was one of the kindest most gentle human beings to walk the face of this earth. I know that he would want you to move on in life and be happy and I know you can do it. He will always be in your heart and soul and he is safe and at peace with the Lord now. I hope you'll be coming to visit soon and know that we have a guest room waiting for you to occupy at any time. We love you very much and are here whenever you may need us. Just say the word. Sincerely, Deb and Marty (and Buddi too).

Len Tait

November 1, 2007

I can remember our times at the school house,and always will.He will always be with me.God bless you Barb & Ger

Marilyn Moran

October 31, 2007

Dear Barbara,
Thinking of you during this sad, sad time with loving support and sympathy. What a great man Gerald was. I will miss his grin and wry sense of humor, his caring and uplifted manner. I cannot even begin to know what a loss you're experiencing. God bless.

Art and Marianne Ellis

October 29, 2007

Dear Barbara,
My husband and I were blessed to know Gerald through his service at our Self-Realization Fellowship church. His peaceful and gentle demeanor were his gifts to us each time we saw him. His sudden passing has saddened our hearts, but we know he is surrounded by God's love and eternal light.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Blessings and our deepest sympathy,
Art and Marianne Ellis

Cathy Sweeny

October 29, 2007

Barbara - I am sad to hear about the death of your husband. You have many good memories and a good support system to help you. My sympathies.

Cathy Sweeny

Oz Childs

October 29, 2007

I'm picturing the old schoolhouse in my mind's eye, and the good times we had. My heart goes out to you, Barbara. Kathie and I are very sorry we can't be with you today.

Vali Jo Hansen

October 29, 2007

Barbara,
My heart and thoughts are with you in your time of loss. I was truly shocked in hearing of what had happened.
I worked with Gerald in 2003-2004 during a systemwide inspection on the UP bridges and he was truly enjoyable to work with. He spoke highly of you and was a pleasure to be around. I truly mourn your loss and hope that you find comfort in the joys everyone had from knowing Gerald.
Truly & Sincerely,
Vali Jo Hansen

Monica and Jim Blazejack

October 28, 2007

Dear Barbara,
We want you to know that we are thinking about you and praying that God will give you strength in this difficult time. We feel so sorrowful for you and hope that the love of friends and family may help heal the pain of your loss.
May Christ be with you.
Our Love,

Tessa Barry-Gonzalez

October 28, 2007

I heard the news from my brother that Gerald had passed. I was shocked and sad that the world had lost such a compassionate person. Gerald you were like an uncle to me growing up and I'll always have you in my heart.
love Tessa

Carol Mclaughlin

October 27, 2007

I just heard from Fred Allen at Self-Realization Fellowship that Gerald has left us and I felt so shocked in hearing the news. Gerald had just joined our usher committee and he was looking forward to serving people in this capacity. Seeing these guest book entries I see what a wonderful husband and friend he was to all he met. God Bless you Barbara for being his wife and dear friend.

Robert & Lyvonne' Sewell

October 27, 2007

In addition to enjoying birding and nature hikes together, Gerald also shared our devotion to the path of Yoga meditation as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda, in Self-Realization Fellowship.

Evelyn Veverka

October 27, 2007

We all feel shock and sadness at losing our friend Gerald, but none can possibly feel it more than you Barbara, his beloved wife. My heart goes out to you.

Gerald was such a kind and gentle man. I knew him for such a short time as he attended our SRF church but was so shy. He generously brought us fruit from his home orchard for our social hour and gave us his talented help with some of our construction projects. We will miss his gentle presence but take comfort knowing that he is in God's arms now.

We send you our condolences, Barbara. May God bless you and your family in your time of grief.

Fred Allen

October 27, 2007

Dear Barbara,

I am deeply saddened to learn of Gerald's passing. Our friendship was steadily deepening as we worked on projects at the church and went hiking. During long talks we discovered we had a lot in common. I will be thinking of him, especially during the next Day of Service when we had planned to finish a project together. He is one of the most peaceful people I have ever met and I miss him very much.

In Divine love,

Gerald & Kite

Talia & Timothy Yates

October 27, 2007

This is one of our favorite pictures of Gerald with the kite (bird) he and Barbara helped heal. It's from Barbara's collection of pictures that she emailed to us. It shows his curiosity, love of and connection with animals. Barbara, I hope you can smile when you see this photo, and that you have happy memories of this time with Ger.

Elizabeth & Ed Pierini

October 27, 2007

Barbara, we are so sorry to learn of this tragedy for you and your family. I know you will find comfort in knowing that it was part of a great plan God had for your husband.

We will pray for you and your family.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum

Curt Nystrom

October 27, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Gerald for the last few years and enjoyed his company at meetings on RR. God be with you and your family in this time of untimely loss.

Barbara Doran

October 26, 2007

Barbie, all our love and good thoughts go out to you. We are so very,very sorry.

Barb and Eric

Dr. Timothy & Talia Yates

October 26, 2007

Barbara: Our hearts are with you now and always. We love you! Life was SO wonderful with Gerald in it! Words cannot express...you know our hearts...Hugs in Multitude!

Gerald and Barbara's visit to Dexter in 2005

Karen OConnor

October 26, 2007

Dear Barbara, I am still in shock after reading this very devastating news online from Elaine.

I have known Gerald all of my life. He was my childhood friend and classmate all through public schools and college. I know how devastated you are and anything I can possibly do for you, I will.

My deepest sympathy and prayers will be with you in your journey forward. Gerald was an insightful and compassionate man and a wonderful human being. I feel blessed to have reconnected with you both as soul mates to the animals and I believe he will continue his works of kindness on all levels in his life ever after.

I am so glad that you and Gerald stopped for a visit when you were in Michigan.That meant so much to me!

Your lives were a Blessing to each other as well as your friends and family.

May God's blessing be with you!
love,
Karen Budd OConnor

Joanne & Kevin Johnson

October 26, 2007

Barbie,
Our hearts are breaking for your loss. Gerald was one of the sweetest men I've ever known. May God bring you peace & knowledge he is with you always in your heart. Saving huge hugs for you when we see you again. Much love and sympathy...

Judy Kolman

October 26, 2007

Barbie,
My heart goes out to you. I can not even pretend to know your heartbreak. I know that Gerald was the love of your life and you had many wonderful times together.If I could take away some of your pain, I would. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gerald will always be remembered as the wonderful person that he was. Love you Judy

Cindi (Tate) Giannantoni

October 26, 2007

From my childhood, the nicest, sweetest guy I ever knew. God Bless you Gerald, and your wife Barbara.

Mary VanderLaan

October 26, 2007

May your memories bring smiles.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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