Charles Otis Graham
September 17, 1947 – April 10, 2024
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, William Otis and Virena (Sexton) Graham. He is survived by his wife, Dodie; daughter Stephanie (Brandon) Blakemore of Omaha, and sons, Dr. Benjamin Graham of Arcata, CA, Dr. Theodore Graham of Kotzebue, AK, Nathaniel (Lyndsay) Graham of Omaha; grandchildren, Capt. Connor (Stephanie) Spiegel of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, and William Graham, Lauryn Graham, and Everett Graham of Omaha.
Charlie was born September 17, 1947, in Omaha, NE. He graduated from Ralston High School where he served as student manager of the basketball team, sharing in the victory as the 1964 state basketball champions. Charlie was instrumental in their enduring bond of friendship.
Charlie earned a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His lifelong career with Northern Natural Gas Company included diverse roles as engineer, manager, director, and advisor to senior leadership. He excelled in technical problem-solving and collaboration with others.
On July 11, 1970, Charlie married Dodie Yeshnowski at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Omaha. As an only child, he had no idea the blessing he would encounter in her large family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews that he could then call his own. And what a blessing he was to them also!
Throughout his life, Charlie gave generously of his time to others. He loved coaching his children’s soccer teams and was an experienced referee.
His early retirement afforded more time to serve. Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) was dear to his heart. As a valuable volunteer, he offered sound and unbiased advice to seniors on Medicare and Homestead Exemption. He furthermore served in almost every position on its board of directors over the last fifteen years.
Another activity that Charlie enjoyed was driving for the Highway Patrol’s Motorist Assist Program, ensuring safety on local interstates and highways. He also drove Panera Bread donations to the Stephen Center shelter and served as an Ambassador for the Omaha Performing Arts. During the pandemic, he became an expert at live-streaming the Mass at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and continued this gift to the parish until Holy Saturday of this year. He lovingly supported his wife and children with advice and compassion tailored to the unique personality of each one. His graciousness flowed to extended family members with multiple and complex needs.
He took great pride in his adult grandson, a US Marine Captain, and enjoyed visiting him and his wife. Charlie’s young grandchildren brought him joy and delight.
VISITATION: Monday, April 15th, 5 to 7 p.m., with VIGIL at 7 p.m., at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific St. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, April 16th, 10:30 a.m., St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. INURNMENT: Westlawn-Hillcrest Cemetery.
Memorials are kindly suggested to Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS) of Nebraska or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
32 Comments
My sweetheart, my beloved! How can I go forward except for the memory of your love everlasting, the love of our children, and my faith in Jesus. ♥️✝️
Dodie,I’m so sorry for Charlie’s you will take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time as you rely on your family, friends, and faith to caring you through this journey
So very sorry for your loss
So very sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
Dodie, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I pray that all the memories the two of you have created through the years will bring peace and comfort to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I only knew Charlie from his time live streaming Mass at St Wenceslaus. That was such a wonderful service to so many in our community thanks to Charlie. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. He will be greatly missed.
I’m truly sorry to hear about the passing of great uncle Charlie. My deepest condolences to the Graham family. Charlie was such a kind warm person, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. My heart and thoughts are with you all.
Dodie I am so so very sorry for your loss. I know your pain and k ow it will one day at a time and I am here for you if you need a shoulder to lean on. Love you my friend. Wish I could be there for you. Peg
Sorry for your loss, praying for the family!
Dodie & family: There are simply no words to express how saddened I am to read about Charley. He did such a good job of keeping in touch with classmates & organizing our reunions. In addition, his volunteer work over the years was remarkable. Loving husband, father & grandfather. He will be sorely missed by so many of us. Deepest sympathy to all of you. May you feel God’s presence and comfort, during this most difficult time. Rest in Peace, Charley!
Thoughts and prayer to family and friends! May all of his family be in my thoughts and prayers!
Dodie and Family, Bob and I are so sorry for your loss. We will keep, you both in our prayers.
I worked with Charlie for quite a few years—-and he was a very nice and patient person. He was so proud of his family!
Dodie I am so sorry to hear about your dear Charlie. He certainly did so much for so many people. Remember your NDA family is here for you. May God grant you and your family comfort. RIP Charlie.
Dodie and family – I am so sorry for your loss. Words fail at a time such as this; I will be praying for peace and comfort for you.
Bob Mackie and I stopped at the hospital to see Charlie a week ago. We talked about the old days and all the fun we had together. I’ve known Charlie since I was six years old. You couldn’t have a better friend. Always there when you needed help. Miss you my friend, until we meet again.
Doug. I need to talk with Bob Mackie. Can you let him know? I think you and he have my contact info. Your visit with Charlie was so great for him last week! Thank you.
Hi Doug, We’d very much love it if Bob Mackie could say she words tomorrow. Can you call me at 773-430-2014?
Dear Dodie, I never knew your husband, but I always loved to see the beautiful pictures you posted. of the two of you. You always looked so happy together. God truly smiled upon you and I know your husband is keeping a place right beside him in heaven for you.. I had to laugh when I read about him being an only child and marrying into your large family. I remember has a child, coming over to your house, and seeing the happy chaos that Bubbys and family always enjoyed.
Dear Dodie, Chuck and I join everyone else in expressing our condolences. Charley was so loved and exuded his love in so many ways. Holding you all in our hearts.
Yes, Charlie is with God! Our family was blessed with his presence in one way or another.
Your faith, family, friends and memories will sustain you. Our sincere condolences to you, Dodie and family
Dodie, I’ve never felt so much confidence as I did when Charlie helped with all my taxes, etc., house sale and, of course, his expert guidance handling Cheri and Katie’s needs on a continual basis. We would tell him we learned so much from him, but he would laugh it off and say that he was learning too! He was just super kind and generous, and he will be missed so much by so many. God‘s Blessings on you and your wonderful family.
Dodie, I’ve never felt so much confidence as I did when Charlie helped with all my taxes, etc., house sale and, of course, his expert guidance handling Cheri and Katie’s needs on a continual basis. We would tell him we learned so much from him, but he would laugh it off and say that he was learning too! He was just super kind and generous, and he will be missed so much by so many. My heartfelt love to you and your family! 💕
Dodi, so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. The word knocked me off my feet. I have so many memories to share but I will save those until we meet face to face. We’ve lost a friend and our class communication link, both of which will be missed. Love and prayers to you and the family.
Dodie, I’m so sorry hear about Charlie. I always enjoyed being an ambassador with him. Having lost my husband nearly 14 years, I learned that you take it one day, one hour, one minute at a time as you rely on your family, friends, and faith to caring you through this journey. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dodie, i’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear husband, Charlie. He did so much for others and was a great volunteer in our parish. Please know that I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.. Janell
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr.Graham. My prayers will be with him and his family. Hugs and love!
Nathan and family, sorry for your loss. We pray that God strengthen the family as you go through this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy but daddy lived a good and fulfilling life that you should be proud of. This is a moment to celebrate him rather than mourn him. God always knows best.
Dodie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. You guys have always been wonderful, kind, and caring neighbors. I could not ask for better. My heart goes out to you and yours and if there is anything I can do please do not hesitate. May God bless all of you and give you strength. You are in my prayers. Deb
Dodie, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Although we have never met, I consider you a valued friend because of your obvious kindness and love of life. I have enjoyed the photos of you and your husband and lovely family. I am glad you have that support and family closeness.
I could always count on Charlie to keep me abreast of The Ralston Class of 1965. You will be sorely missed my friend. Rest in Peace.
Dodie and Ted and family, I wish I had seen Charlie’s obituary in time to attend services. He was so cheerful and nice when I saw him, I know his loss leaves a terrible void in your lives. I’ll have a mass said for Charlie tomorrow and will pray for you. He was a good man who’s with God now, but I’m sorry for your pain.
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