Joseph Graham

Joseph Gund Graham, 96, of Freeport, IL passed away Saturday September 9, 2023 at Parkview Home in Freeport. He was born June 30, 1927 in Freeport to George and Margaret (Gund) Graham. Joe was a 1945 graduate of Freeport High School. While in high school, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy and served from May 1945-December 1946 during World War II. His service included assignments on the USS Prince William and USS Montpelier. Upon returning from the Navy, Joe attended the University of Illinois and graduated at the top of his class. In recognition, he is permanently listed on The Bronze Tablet.

Joe started working for his uncle Joseph Gund out of college at Gund-Graham Construction. In 1962 after his uncle passed away, Joe went into business for himself as a Civil Engineer, until 1973 when he partnered with Allen Fehr, thus forming Fehr-Graham. Joe married Margaret Miller in 1954. Margaret passed away in 1971. He later married Barbara Morrow in 1975. Barbara passed away in 2001.

Joe was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Freeport. His memberships and affiliations also included Amvets, Rotary Club, board member of the Union Savings Bank for many years, Freeport Country Club, The Elks Club, and Stephenson County Building Commission. He enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, woodworking, traveling, exploring ancestry.com, and Sudoku puzzles.

He is survived by his daughter Mary Margaret Graham of Freeport and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joe in death are his parents, two wives, sister and brother-in-law Ellen Torrey (Patrick) Cusack, brother George, son and daughter-in-law Joseph Gund, Jr. (Emma) Graham.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday September 23, 2023 at Grace Episcopal Church. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:30 P.M. Friday September 22, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport.

Burial will be at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City, IL. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Friends Forever Humane Society.