Bill Graham

Bill Graham, age 81 of Big Stone City, SD died February 22, 2017, at Golden Living Center in Milbank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, Big Stone City, SD, with Padre’ Da’vid Garza officiating. Burial will take place at the Graham Family Cemetery.

Visitation will be at St. Charles Catholic Church, Big Stone City, SD, 1 hour prior to service.

Honorary bearers will be all of Bill’s nephews.
Casket bearers will be: Tom Graham Jr., Mike Graham, Rick Graham, Mike Graham, Wade Miller, and DJ Haggerty.

William James Graham was born December 8, 1935, in Graceville, MN. He was the son of John and Genevieve Graham. Bill was raised on the family farm and attended country school through the 8th grade. Bill farmed with his parents until 1962 when he purchased his own land and began farming on his own.

Bill resided in Graceville, MN, Odessa, MN, Summit, SD, Lake Traverse, MN, Beardsley, MN, Milbank, SD, Odessa, MN, and Big Stone City, SD. He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City.

Bill owned his own plane and loved to fly. He liked wood working and proudly built several houses. He loved being a mechanic “who could fix/repair just about anything”! He enjoyed riding horses and raising the cattle on his farm.

In his later years, he was fortunate to be able to travel the United States visiting 49 of the 50 states. His niece, Shelly, was his travel guide and he was very thankful for her. A highlight in his travels was visiting Medugorje, Bosnia, as well as, two other European trips.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Jean O’Neill of Milbank, SD, Mary (Donald) Sell of Otis, OR, Ruth Miller of Milbank, SD, Alice Jenkins of Phoenix, AZ, Elaine Haggerty of Big Stone City, SD, Dorothy (Hank) Harms of Milbank, SD, and Tom (Kathy) Graham of Big Stone City, SD. He also is survived by 44 nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents: John and Genevieve Graham; four brothers: Dick, Jim, John and Mike; three nephews: Steve, Billy, and Buddy.