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Stephen Graliker Obituary

DECATUR - Stephen Gunning Graliker, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2012 at Imboden Creek Living Center after a brief illness. Born in Decatur, Illinois on February 29, 1920, he was the son of Bernard Graliker and Anne J. Gunning Graliker. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, James Dirksen Graliker, who died in infancy, and his sister, Rosemary Graliker Osborn. He is survived by his niece, Nancy A. van Grondelle, and her husband, Bert, of Niskayuna, New York and his great-niece, Anne E. van Grondelle, of Madison, Wisconsin. He leaves his long-time secretary and family friend, Ann J. Schanuel. He also leaves two cousins: Betty V. Graliker of Los Angeles, California and John R. Stewart of Palm Coast, Florida. Steve graduated from Georgia Military Academy (now Woodward Academy) in College Park, Georgia in 1938. He maintained strong ties with the Academy and established the Anne G. and Bernard Graliker Visiting Speaker Series in honor of his parents. In recognition of his dedication to the Academy, they presented him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1942. He kept a strong interest in the University. He served as the treasurer of the Class of 1942 and nurtured the school spirit by writing a regular newsletter for his class. He also served as a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association Board of Directors. Following his college graduation, Steve volunteered with the "Flying Irish" for Naval Aviation Training. He served in the Navy in World War II as a fighter pilot in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He remained in the Naval Reserve after the war until 1968, attaining the rank of Commander in 1953. He took great pride in his service to his country. His time in the Navy also gave him an enduring interest in the military history of naval warfare in World War II. Steve had a long and successful business career. He was a Chartered Life Underwriter with The Union Central Life Insurance Company for 65 years until the time of his death. He was a co-founder of Northtown Bank and Trust in Decatur, Illinois and served the bank in many capacities, including President and Chairman of the Board. He felt a strong commitment to the Decatur community and volunteered his services to many local organizations, including St. Mary's Hospital, St. Teresa High School, St. Patrick Church, Millikin University, the Decatur YMCA, and the United Way. Steve liked to travel and was passionate about his golf game. He played in International Senior Amateur Golf Society tournaments for many years and brought home a number of trophies, which he proudly displayed. He was an outstanding gentleman and a good friend to many. He was also "Uncle Steve" to many of the children and grandchildren of his friends. His legendary tales and outgoing personality will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Thursday April 26, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service at 4:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be 1 pm, Friday, April 27, 2012 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rev. John Burnette celebrant. Private burial with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Steve's name may be made to St. Patrick Church, St. Teresa High School, and the Decatur Family YMCA. The family of Stephen Gunning Graliker is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL. 62526. View the online obituary, share memories and send condolences at www.moranandgoebel.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://legacy.com/obituaries/herald-review/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Decatur Herald & Review on Apr. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Laura Stokes-Gray

May 24, 2012

Nancy:

I was deeply saddened to learn of Steve's death. He was an extraordinary man of great integrity. He believed in the catagorical imperative of a sense of duty and treated people with dignity and respect. He was a gentleman's gentleman but also a great wit! I loved his stories and his delightful personality. It was a privilege to have known him.

My thoughts, prayers and love are with you always.

Love,

Laura Stokes-Gray

May 21, 2012

i was a colleague of Steve's on the National Alumni Board and we hit it off immediately. He was a generous Notre Dame man. He included me on his Class of 42 Newsletters and gave me an expensive book on naval aviation. more than that he gave of himself to me and countless others. i will miss him. Dennis Dunleavy '79

Teresa Currinder

May 5, 2012

Stephen was my Godfather, I have very fond memories of him yanking on my ear as a child. He visited our home on occasion and was a meaningful friend of my father's. My dad told me many stories of road trips with Steve and thought of him as a very close friend. I am sorry for your loss and wish his closest loved ones a peaceful healing process. Teresa Currinder

Pat McNulty

May 3, 2012

You are already being missed by many, Steve. We feel fortunate to have known you for so long. You will always be considered family...

Martha Welborne

May 2, 2012

On behalf of the Lampkin family, we are all so saddened by Steve's death. He was my Dad's good friend from childhood, and my Mom's too. I am so pleased that my Mom, Emmy, and my brother Bill and I visited with Steve on March 25th in Decatur. He was wonderful and welcoming when we stopped in to visit. He was a big influence in my life and a big reason that I went to Notre Dame. He was 92, but he died too young. Steve, we already miss you. Nancy and family, our deepest condolences.
Martha Lampkin Welborne

Chuck ,Ginny Linsenmeyer

May 2, 2012

We will miss Steve so much! He was part of our young family back in the 60's and 70s. He was god father to our daughter Claire. We were clients, but much more than that! He treated us to a visit at his home--all 8-of us! What a happy ,fun, honest man to have as a friend!

Ayten Welch

April 29, 2012

My father, Harry Williamson, and Steve flew together in the same squadron and then in the reserves. Steve was the commander. I met him when we moved to Springfield in the late 80s. What a great man! So positive and kind and knowledgeable.....another connection with my father gone.I hope he did not suffer. I am sorry I was unable to make it to the services due to my work.I am so glad to have known him.My sincere sympathies,Ayten Welch & family

Bill Hickey

April 25, 2012

Steve, was a very long time family friend. He and my parents were part of the ND crew in the late 30's and early 40's. All of us who knew Steve are thinking today how blessed we are to have had the chance to know this wonderful person. As Steve would say, "He had a great ride". Bill Hickey, Burr Ridge, Ill.

Sharon Holland-Welge

April 25, 2012

Steve has been part of our family for as long as I can remember. Steve met my dad in the Navy and the two of them remained good friends all their life. Now they can fly together again!

Greg Gustin

April 25, 2012

Steve's wisdom, humor, stories, and friendship are some of the many characteristics my family will always remember and love about him.

Helen Cummings

April 25, 2012

Mr. Graliker was a wonderful man of great integrity and will be missed by all those who knew and worked with him. He was a true pleasure to talk to and we will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.

Bill Small

April 25, 2012

Steve was close friends with Bob Stewart, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decatur. They were classmates at Notre Dame and were both pilots in the Naval service in WW II. Bob passed away recently, and now I have lost two good friends. May they rest in peace sharing God's eternal blessing.

Lou Randall

April 25, 2012

When Steve took his Honor Flight, I was asked to write a letter of tribute, which he would receive at "mail call." This letter sums up my feelings about Steve. I miss him and will continue to miss him always.

"Dear Steve,

When I think of you, I am reminded of the last lines of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem, Ulysses:

“Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

Steve, you have never yielded in your devotion to your schools, your city, your family, your friends, and your nation. You risked your life to ensure that Americans and, indeed, Western civilization could enjoy the freedom we hold so dear. You are a shining example of what Tom Brokaw has called the “greatest generation.”

Steve, I am humbled to have been asked to write this tribute to you and proud to call you my friend. You bravely answered the call to, “Duty, Honor, and Country.” Thank you for your service, your friendship, and your generosity of spirit.

Lou Randall, Woodward Academy

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