Earl "Erk" Graham
Sept. 7, 1934-Nov. 30, 2013
Earl "Erk" Graham of Breckenridge, MI, passed away on November 30, 2013, in the Upper Peninsula, where he had been with the same group of hunters and friends for 54 years. Hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, spending time at the family cottage on Higgins Lake, and farming were his great passions.
Erk was born on September 7, 1934, to Orlin and Mabel (Knapp) Graham. He graduated from St. Louis High School and Michigan State University. He proudly served in the armed forces as a tank mechanic. He married JoAnn Johnson on September 7, 1964. Erk was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 1400 in Alma. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 406 and the Breckenridge United Methodist Church. Drinking coffee at the local restaurants in town was a daily activity, as was driving out to the farm to check on his son-in-law and grandsons.
Erk was a pillar in the community and would often be seen plowing a driveway, mowing years, and brining vegetables to all the neighbors. For many years, the Graham sweet corn patch was known far and wide.
Erk is survived by his wife of 49 years, JoAnn; daughter, Tresha Mikek (Greg); grandsons, Clint and Trent Mikek; his sister, Charlotte Wilk; and brother, Leo Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Kenneth Graham.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014, 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Breckenridge, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Hospital of Saginaw 48602 or to the United Methodist Church in Brekenridge, MI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sure miss the big guy and his sense of humor.
Terry Schall
December 3, 2014
To a Family that made everyone part of their family. I'm going to miss Erk and his smile and silliness. Thank you for letting me share in his life and now in his memory
Love you all Deborah Rutkowski
December 26, 2013
So sorry about Erk. I think he would have wanted to go in the U.P. He will be greatly missed. Everyone knew and loved Erk.
Marolyn Furgason
December 9, 2013
Jo Ann, I will miss meeting him in his truck when I am going back and forth to work . He always waved and smiled. I am very sorry for your loss.
Cindy Jerry
December 4, 2013
So sorry to hear of Erks passing.I got to know him when I worked in the area for GTE.Also going hunting with him and my cousins Jim and Tom. He was a great guy. He will be missed by many.
Bob & Deb Burk
December 4, 2013
JoAnn and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. We have great memories of fried turkeys at Christmases of the past. Jim & Russ
December 4, 2013
may i offer my sincere condolences ... although i can't be there, my thoughts are with you.
jody fairchild
December 4, 2013
He was a Great friend and someone I had admired Growing up. He is going to be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you guy's.
Steve Derry and family
December 3, 2013
JoAnn:
Just reading about Erk on-line from here in Arizona. So sorry to hear about his passing. My thoughts are with you, Tresha and family. Wish I could be there to give you a hug!!
Judy Mills
December 3, 2013
A true friend, that will be missed, and a void in our lives.
Robert Saurman
December 3, 2013
JoAnn and Treaha and Family we are so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him Our prayers are with you at this time. M. Duane and Bernice Grover
December 3, 2013
Joann, we are so sorry to hear of Erk's passing, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Judy Johnston
December 3, 2013
Sorry to hear about your loss JoAnn. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Macdonald
December 3, 2013
Always remember the big teddy bear with a big smile and hug saying "Hey kid, how the heck are ya"
Jami Derry
December 3, 2013
JoAnn, Sorry to hear about Erk. Praying for you
Carl Cecil
December 2, 2013
Jo Ann and Tresha, our friend will be missed by all, what a man and loving soul. He had such a big heart but went the way he would have wanted. My thoughts are with you folks. Paul
Paul Luneack
December 2, 2013
JoAnn & Tresha,
I am so sorry for your loss. We said a prayer for you all at dinner Sunday with Mom & Dad Beard. He was a great man to know.
Lesa Beard
December 2, 2013
Theresa So sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of all of u
Sharla Alspaugh
December 2, 2013
JoAnn and Tresha,
I am very sad to hear about Erk. I do know there are two souls in heaven having a good time again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Chaney
December 2, 2013
Tresha and Greg; You are all in my prayers and I am thinking about all of your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot say enough. Gus Davis
Gus Davis
December 2, 2013
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more