William "Bill" Graham

William "Bill" Graham, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, proud Army veteran, 52-year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and friend, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Bill was raised in Racine by his mother, Margaret Fall Beck, alongside his older brother, John Graham. In Racine, he first discovered his lifelong love of tractors, dogs, and the famously sweet O&H cherry kringle. Summers were often spent at Brown's Lake with his Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Paul, who kept him busy alongside his cousins, Cheri and Jill Fall.

Bill later moved to Wauwatosa with his stepfather, William Beck. It was there that he ran track and played football at Wauwatosa East High School, and it was also there that he met and fell in love with Sue Keyes, his sweetheart of 63 years. Their love for one another, their family, and their dogs was evident to all who knew them.

Bill's basset hounds brought him immeasurable joy, but more importantly, he used them to bring comfort to others. Through his therapy dog work, he helped kindergarteners in Mrs. Harmann's classroom learn to read and visited nursing homes, libraries, and schools, offering comfort and connection wherever he went. Bill's love for animals extended beyond dogs. The family cats and the animal sponsorship program at the Milwaukee County Zoo also benefited from his kindness.

Bill served honorably and respectfully in the United States Army. Over 25 years of service, he dedicated himself to his country with pride and integrity.

Supporting others was Bill's lifelong passion. He dedicated more than 25 years as a social worker with Waukesha County Human Services as an Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Counselor. He believed deeply in supporting what made the world better, including Alcoholics Anonymous, public education, and blasting Irish music for all to hear. As a proud and committed member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill made a lasting impact by sharing his story and offering steadfast support. His AA community was one of the great pillars of his life. He celebrated 52 years of sobriety, making lifelong friends and always lending an ear.

Bill was endlessly proud of his children, Patrick and Meegan. He purchased every book and every published photograph his son ever produced. Bill and Patrick shared a love of music and the arts, often wandering the halls of the Milwaukee Art Museum together. Bill also took immense pride in supporting Meegan in her teaching career. He generously provided supplies for her students, including computers, clothing, books, food, backpacks, and Valentine's cards for every child. Every year, no matter what, Bill took Meegan, even as an adult, back-to-school shopping for new shoes. Bill loved shoes, especially red Nikes, and proudly passed that love down.

His greatest joy was his grandchildren, Ian, LuLu, Melanie, Honor, and Huw. Grandpa Bill showed his love through unwavering support and kindness. They will remember museum trips, zoo adventures, riding the lawnmower with Grandpa, and his quiet acts of encouragement, especially handing his AA coins to strangers. They will also cherish the newspaper clippings that arrived in the mail as reminders that Grandpa was thinking of them.

Bill will be remembered as a man who cherished human connection, believed in showing up for others, and gave generously of his time, love, and gentle heart.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sue; his son, Patrick; his daughter, Meegan; his son-in-law, Ken; his grandchildren; his nephews and nieces; his great-nephew, Nick; his best friend, Scott; and his final surviving dog, Chico, who brought him comfort and comforted others at The View of Johnson Creek.

Guests are invited to his memorial to share in Bill's love of Irish music, coffee, and kringle, and to take one of his beloved coffee cups as a keepsake.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd. Waukesha, WI from 4:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 PM.

"Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us."

- Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family

Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659

Online Obit, Condolences, Directions

www.churchandchapel.com