Benjamin F. Graham Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Graham, Jr., 89, of Grinnell died November 13, 2009, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell. A memorial service has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, at Herrick Chapel, Grinnell College, followed by a reception at Forum South Lounge. Ben was born September 24, 1920, in Milton, MA, to Benjamin F. and Jennie (Nelson) Graham. Ben taught in the Biology Department at Grinnell College for 32 years. He received his BS and MS in Botany from the University of Maine where he served as chairman of the Biology Department. He did further graduate study in forestry, receiving his PhD in Botany from Duke University. Ben's teaching career took him to Miami (Ohio) University and Dartmouth College before coming to Grinnell College in 1959. He was instrumental in the acquisition and development of Grinnell College's Conard Environmental Research Area, a place he felt passionate about and where there is a laboratory named in his honor. Ben served as Captain in the U.S. Army's 34th and 88th Infantry Divisions during WW II. He was recalled in 1951 serving as Company Commander at OCS in Fort Benning, Georgia. Ben married Susanne Mallard in Sumter, South Carolina on June 14, 1947. They had four children. He belonged to many professional organizations and served as Director of the Iowa Academy of Science from 1981 ' 1983. He was active in the Grinnell Community, where he served on the Grinnell City Council and city Park Board. He was a long-time member of Kiwanis. Ben is survived by his wife; four children, Ben (Rosalie) of Maryville, Missouri, Anne Suggs (Larry) of Cedar Rapids, David (Frank Appleton) of Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Jamie of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a nephew, Peter Graves (Sharon) of Smithville, Missouri; three grandchildren, Andrew Suggs (Stephenie), Christopher and Sarah Graham; a step-granddaughter, Leah Whiteside; and three step-great-granddaughters. The family has requested that memorials be made to Grinnell's Drake Community Library or Grinnell Regional Hospice. In keeping with the essence of his life as a scientist, Ben bequeathed his body to the University of Iowa School of Medicine. A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to smithfh.com.