Gerald Graham

Graham, Gerald E., “Jerry” age 102 died on September 19, 2024. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Emma and Ernest Graham. The eldest of 5 boys and one girl. He served proudly with the 8th Army Air Corp. and became the pilot of a P51D Mustang flying with the 339th squadron based in Fowlmere, England during WWII. He reached the rank of First Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and other honors for the 67 missions that he flew over Nazi Germany. He was truly a part of The Greatest Generation. Upon return from England he married Mary Lukso and then attended The University of Michigan. He ultimately went into the construction trade and built houses including the family lake house, multiple remodels of his own residence, other family member’s houses, and income properties. The last 27 years of his career he worked for Pella on commercial buildings including replacing all the windows in the Amway Grand Hotel. Jerry was a very generous and kind man who touched many lives by his willingness to always help out or lend a hand. He was most proud of his family and was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be very greatly missed.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 78 years, Mary, his brothers Gale, Eldon, Beverly, and Richard Graham, and his son-in-law Bill Wilke. He is survived by his sister Nancy Eilers (Michael), and his children Catherine Wilke, Gregory Graham, Thomas Graham (Patricia), and Teresa Graham (Michael). Also surviving are his grandchildren Ryan Wilke (Mindy), Stacey Graham (Josh), Megan Graham, Rachel Trabaris (William) and Graham Tarling, along with his 4 great grand children, Reid, Keaton, Juniper, and Griffin, together with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place on November 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church (where he was a parishioner for over 75 years), 423 First St NW, G.R., MI. Family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Veterans Foundation.