Walter “Verne” Graham

Walter Verne Graham was born December 30, 1925 in Persia, Iowa, to Ethelbert and Isabelle Graham. His four brothers – Lloyd, Herb, Glenn, Jim – and three sisters – Francis, Iris, and Reba – have preceded him in death. Shortly after graduating from Modale High School, he enlisted in the US Army, serving two tours – one in France and one in Germany – near the end of World War 2. His team worked to capture enemy troops for interrogation. He received two purple hearts in recognition of wounds sustained in battle. After the war, he studied at Iowa State University in Ames, earning a degree in Agriculture. After graduation, he married beautiful coed Sally Alden and started a family. He taught farming technology at ISU for some time, then took a prestigious traveling sales job with International Harvester. To spend more time with his children and stay in the great outdoors he loved so much, Walter acquired a roller skating business in Boulder, Colorado, in the early 60s. His roller rink, Peppermint Square, became a very popular place with area teens. He was an avid golfer, bird hunter, fisherman, and music fan. He was a longtime member and club president of the Boulder Evening Optimist Club. For a couple of years in the 70s, Walter and his family operated a bakery in the mountain town of Estes Park, Colorado, selling the “best crispies in town”, delicious breads, and decorated cakes. Thereafter, he worked in real estate, selling mountain and farm land and owning and managing commercial offices. He also was a licensed pilot and flew small airplanes across the country. His dream for retirement was to have a country home with a ballroom where he and friends could listen and dance to country music. He shared this dream with high school sweetheart Phyllis Remington, and they have lived happily together for many years on a breezy hill south of Logan, Iowa. Early on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, Walter passed away in his sleep. He leaves behind his loving companion, Phyllis, his three children – Mark, Lonnie, and Tamara – nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many friends and relatives in the vicinity of Boulder, Colorado and Logan, Iowa In Loving Memory Of Walter “Vern” Graham Born December 30, 1925 Persia, Iowa Entered Into Rest June 17, 2015 Logan, Iowa Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20 United Methodist Church Logan, Iowa Officiating Pastor Patti Ford Vocalist Rick Powell Organist Vicki Koenig Vocal Selections “My God And I” “In The Garden “How Great Thou Art” Casket Bearers Ken Graham Darelld Graham Al Martens Doug Rosengren Josiah Spano Joe Dixon Final Resting Place Valley View Cemetery Persia, Iowa Military Honors will be conducted by VFW Post # 6256 and O’Hara Seeley Post

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