George Graham

George Albert Graham, 86, of Rushford, died April 4, 2025, at his home.

George was born October 2, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to George A. and Erma “Sally” (Morrison) Graham.  They moved to Montana before settling in Appleton, Wis., where he was schooled and joined the U.S. Air Force based in Massachusetts, being honorably discharged in 1960.  He worked for Kenny Shoe Co, JI Case Co., and managed several stores for the Kmart Corporation before coming to Peterson in 1975 to open Graham’s General Store and Dairy.  These were truly his happiest years, with his boys growing up in the Peterson schools, playing sports, taking the boys to auto shows and preparing for a good life in a beautiful God-given place.  It was a very different life from his previous store locations.  George was a people person, loved entertaining friends that came to visit and the new ones he made here.  He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

In 1980, he built McGeorge’s restaurant and purchased Larson’s gas station.  In 1985, he became an agent for American Family Insurance and opened an office in Rushford, retiring in 2004. After 27 years, McGeorge’s restaurant closed due to the 2007 flood.  For more than six decades, he and his wife Judy worked side by side, growing their family and business.  George was active with the Peterson Fire Department, the Peterson Lions Club, Peterson Legion Post 526 and Grace Lutheran Church.  George enjoyed many years of bowling in Rushford and many golf games at Ferndale.  He was an active volunteer of the Winona Red Cross and received the Betty Calendar King Award in 2010, following his participation in aiding after several national disasters.  He volunteered on three Habitat for Humanity builds in the area with Judy at his side.  With a never-ending passion for automobiles, George enjoyed many trips for auto shows of all kinds.  He took his boys to 40 years of shows at Iola, Wis., before deciding it was too much for him, and the boys would have to go without him.  He will always be looking down on them at Iola, and remembering the VW “bug” they built for him.

George was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Vickie; grandson Caleb Hughes, and great-grandson Walter Olson.

He is survived by his wife Judy, three sons; Mike (Jennifer Scheck) Graham, Jon (Cherie) Graham and Jordy (Noelle) Graham; eight grandchildren: Janea Sass, Nikki (Gregg) Olson, Jordon (Ali) Johnson, Casey Hughes, Courntey (George) Marthaler, Ryan (Ashley) Graham, Kayla (Blake) Lawston, and Vincent Graham; 17 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Cameron, Axton, Grayson, Quinn, Elliana, Adelyn, Vienna, Beckham, Jace, George, Harlan, Myles, Reagan, Henry, Dolly and Cooper; sister Carrie (Richard) Boer, brother-in-law Jack (Connie) Daams, Valaro Daams, Sandra Daams, BettyAnn (Ken) Hershey; godson Rob Highum, and a special family friend, business assistant and supporter for over 40 years, Mary Miner.  Many nieces and nephews were enjoyed as visitors over the years.  

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson, with the Reverend Sarah Walker Brown officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  He will be laid to rest at East Grace Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the Rushford Fire Department Relief Association or the Children’s Miracle Network.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.hofffuneral.com