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Todd Graham Obituary
Oct. 30, 1960 - July 26, 2017
SOUTH BEND - Todd Austin Graham, M.D., of South Bend, IN, tragically passed away on July 26, 2017 at the age of 56 due to a senseless act of violence. His life was taken while he was doing what he loved--serving his medical patients in the greater South Bend community.
Anyone who came into contact with Todd was struck by the sparkle in his eye when he discussed his three children, his work and his relationship with his loving wife, Julie.
Todd was born on October 30, 1960 in Athens, Illinois, to Jean and Jack Graham. A proud native of Athens, Illinois, Todd went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and then Northwestern University School of Medicine. Todd was double board certified in both Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. After medical school, Todd came to South Bend, where he served the community as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist for 30 years. Todd began his career in South Bend as a solo practitioner and successfully ran his own business for twenty-two years. He then went on to become a partner at South Bend Orthopedics, where he was elected a member of the executive committee. His partners not only valued him as a physician and for his business acumen, but also gave him the most meaningful gift of all -- their friendship.
Over the past three decades, Todd became ingrained in the greater South Bend region's medical and philanthropic communities. Todd volunteered with the University of Notre Dame as a consultant for its athletics program. He and his wife, Julie, also hosted several charity events at their home.
Outside of work, Todd was an avid traveler and rallied many friends and family members to join him. His frequent visits to Saint Barthelemy earned him the nickname as mayor of the island. Todd looked forward to traveling the world alongside his loved ones. His thirst for exploring led him on many wild adventures.
Todd leaves behind his wife and best friend, Julie; his children, Travis, Elena and Jacqueline of Indianapolis; his sister, Cindy (Steve) Nance of Sherman, Illinois; several nieces and nephews, and four dogs, Nellie, Bo, Fergie, and Chmokey.
Although he was a dedicated doctor, his family was the center of his world. He was extremely enthusiastic about his children and would never hesitate to tell them as well as a stranger how proud he was of them. As a father, he gave the best advice and always encouraged his children to pursue their education. He shared the best advice with his friends as well and made sure they knew how important they were to him. As a devout husband, he promised to love, honor and take care of his wife for the rest of her life. Todd's love was pervasive, his heart was sensitive and his energy was contagious. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Monday, July 31, 2017, at St. Pius X Church, 52553 Fir Road, Granger, IN 46530. The family will receive friends from 1:00-5:00pm on Sunday at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, Granger, IN 46635.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Logan Center, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615, and Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group with online donations at www.homewardboundawg.com.
Online condolences may be left for the Graham family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Todd Graham
Sponsored by Palmer Funeral Homes - Hickey Chapel.
Karen Gerber
July 22, 2021
I am a SBO patient with 3 different doctors so I am a fairly frequent patient. There´s never a time while pulling into the parking lot that my thoughts immediately turn to Dr Graham. He was my favorite doctor of all time and sorely missed. Peace and love to his family.
Christine Reynolds
July 23, 2020
Absolutely the best back Doctor ever, kind and gentle even though my procedures were painful he’d always say I’m sorry in a meaningful way. I’m quite certain he’s missed , blessings to his family . Former patient.
Karen Gerber
July 22, 2020
Not much to say except that I miss this doctor of mine so very much. I see several doctors at SBO and I can’t go near that place without remembering him. Such a wonderful caring man. R.I.P. Dr. Graham.
July 22, 2019
Todd was a good friend and classmate. He never had anything bad to say about anybody, and could always lighten up the place with a good joke.
One memory of Todd was when he turned 16 and his folks had gotten him a new orange 280Z. He got a speeding ticket the first night he took it out on a drive on Route 29 just south of Athens. We all had a laugh about that.
Todd was also a good trombone player, playing in the high school band and our jazz band.
I miss you, my friend.
Bob Engel, class of '78
Jacksonville, Florida
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April 4, 2018
Julie,
My husband, James Miller (a Goshen College Professor), was murdered 6 years ago in a senseless act of violence. If you would like to connect, I would love to meet/talk with you. I felt so alone on this journey because it felt like no one understood what I was going through. My name is Linda Miller. I hesitate to put my personal phone number of this site, but you can contact me at my place of employment--Clinton Frame Church 574-642-3165. Open Tues - Friday.
Cedric Parker
August 17, 2017
I'm really sorry about the loss the family and staff are enduring. May God give you the peace to move forward. I'm really glad about not taking pain meds daily to feel better and keep moving. His experience and expertise will be greatly missed. Patient C. Parker
Sherry Sarvis
August 16, 2017
You do not know me, nor I you, but the story of your husband's senseless killing was referenced on a friend's Facebook page here in Ohio. I am so very sorry for all of you, that your wonderful, caring husband/ father was taken from you. Some aspects of this world and the people in it are aggressive and unstable. Yet, there remains joy and always, GOD, in the midst of it. Praying that your pain will ease with time and that God and the love of family and friends will see you through.
Devendra/Maya Kacholia
August 6, 2017
To Todd's Wife, Children & Cindy
We are praying GOD for PEACE to bring bring comfort, COURAGE to face the days ahead and LOVING MEMORIES to forever hold in your hearts. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.
August 4, 2017
To Todd's wife, children, and Cindy---
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Todd. He was my schoolmate, my fellow athlete, and most of all, my friend. He never had a bad word to say about anybody, and was a friend to all. He excelled in sports (was all-conference in basketball) and lettered in cross-country. Of course, he excelled in scholastics. Everyone in the class knew he would go far, and that he did.
May God bless you and keep you during this most difficult time, and in the future. Todd will always be with you.
Bob and Patty Engel
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Mary Heaton
August 3, 2017
I feel honored to say I knew Dr Graham. He had a way of making me, and all his patients, feel special and confident in his ability to help them. A joyous and blessed man has been taken away from us. My sincerest sympathy to his family in their grief . Mary Heaton
Bill & Carey Fosburgh
August 2, 2017
My heart goes out to Dr. Todd Graham's family, friends & patients. He was an outstanding Physician, the best there was to offer. He always had a smile, sincerely cared & listened to his patients. My husband and I will forever miss and be thankful for his care. He fascinated me with his down to earth personality. Just a genuinely kind, caring, joyful soul. He is missed and loved. So sad, such a senseless loss. We do not understand why, but we know God has a plan and Todd is in Heaven working there. Lots of Love and God's comfort to Julie and their Children!
Rachael
August 2, 2017
Spread your wings & Fly
Marguerite VAN STEEN Raymond
July 31, 2017
Thank you for serving your patients so well. You will be missed RIH Dr Graham.
Jeff S
July 31, 2017
May our Heavenly Father bring comfort to your grieving hearts and grant you peace in this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
Julie Rodgers
July 31, 2017
Before I was patient of his, I had suffered in pain for 20 years, under his expert care I have lived the last ten years in relief. The world has truly lost a wonderful doctor. And I have also lost a friend. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. May he rest in peace.
Julie Rodgers
Lisa Molnar
July 30, 2017
This is just beyond words. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I met Dr. Graham about 12 yrs. ago when my son broke his knee. Dr. Graham was a brilliant surgeon and a very nice man. I remember he spoke about his family often. You could definitely tell that he was a very proud husband and father. My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.
Cari
July 30, 2017
This has his me harder than I thought it would. Probably because I actually met him and knew how nice and caring he was. My husband was one of his patients. He actually spent alot of time with him. He gave him several injections in his neck. I would go with my husband to his appointments. Everytime we saw him he had a different pair of glasses to match his outfit. I thought it was so cool. I am so sorry for your lost. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. He will really be missed by us all and especially by his friends and family.
Denny & Chris Kirchgesner Family
July 30, 2017
Peace!
Marlene Wiker
July 30, 2017
My heart breaks for the family of Todd.....such a senseless tragedy. Prayers for strength and comfort to be given to his family.....gone too soon!
Judith Bryant
July 30, 2017
So very sad to hear that Todd has passed. Remember him well as a handsome and kind young man growing up in Athens,Ill. May he rest in peace with his parents and Lord. Condolances to those left behind.
July 30, 2017
What can I say that hasn't already been said? We will miss Todd very, very much, the man we always saw with a smile, a kind word, a great story, a great time.
......with tears of sadness, for a man we highly admired, respected and loved
Jack and Yumiko Champaigne
Christine Reynolds
July 30, 2017
As a patient of Dr Graham I am deeply saddened by by the event that took his life so needlessly. Very thankful to him for his care of me and restoring by back to original use. Thinking of family and friends during this most difficult time. Prayers to you for peace and healingChristine Reynolds
Kay Naragon
July 29, 2017
Praying for the family. Knowing that God will surround you with more love and support than you ever would have dreamed possible, because He loves you. Kay Naragon, RN SJRMC
Kim Morhouse
July 29, 2017
So sorry for your loss my god be with you durring this time of need prayers for the family
Hazel Bokon
July 29, 2017
Your smile and compassion for ypur patients will be truly missed. R.i.p.
Nancy Ropp
July 29, 2017
The world has lost a wonderful friend and Dr. He will never be forgotten. I will truly miss him and that bright smile of his. I've known him and worked for him for almost 14 years and will never understand this, but my thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife , Julie and his children. My heart is broken over this loss.
Karen Gerber
July 29, 2017
As a long time patient of Dr. Graham, my heart is broken. I offer my deepest sympathy to all his family, friends and collegues, but especially to his wife, Julie. Never was there a more compassionate, caring doctor and I will miss him forever. May God bless us all and heal our hearts.
Christena Stachowski
July 29, 2017
I was a patient of Dr.Todd Graham for a few years he always had a smile and kind words for me, he was a very dedicated physician and helped me so very much. I first met him in 1994 when he took care of my late husband after he had a massive stroke. I will miss him so much, I even have an appointment with doctor Todd on August 11 but God has that appointment now. My sympathy goes out for his wife and family. My prayers are with you all.
Father Ted Stanley
July 29, 2017
Recall officiating at Todd and Julie's wedding...and how great they both were and their friends and family. Am remembering him and Julie and everyone specially at this most difficult time. Father Ted Stanley
Bill and Deb Raby
July 29, 2017
He was great Doctor, kind and patient. He always had a smile on his face. He was always willing to help. He will greatly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.
Rebecca Cossey
July 29, 2017
Dr,Graham was a very good doctor,and my heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.
patricia
July 29, 2017
Dear Family - I am so sorry! I recall meeting Dr. Graham many years ago when I was doing case management for an insurance company. He was super! You're in my prayers!
Patricia - Mishawaka
July 28, 2017
From a former classmate
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