Thomas Edward Graham, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Monday, January 28th. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 1st, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 2nd at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Rev. Steven Rosonke will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Tom was born July 30, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa to Joseph G. and M. Harriet Graham. Tom received his education from St. Columbkille grade school, Loras Academy and Loras College. He served in the ROTC at Loras Academy, and went on to service with the U.S. Army. He married Mary Jo Birkett on January 7, 1961 at Nativity Church.

Tom was an industrious, hardworking man, a true visionary, a teacher and leader and passed on these values. He began his career at Sears & Roebuck as manager of the electrical department. He then began selling real estate throughout the west end, with his uncle Jack Schiltz, until he became co-owner of Graham’s Style Store for Men. This is when his community involvement escalated. His passion was ensuring downtown Dubuque and the community, flourished. Part of the revitalization included buying Stampfer’s Department store, along with starting several other downtown businesses. He had a hand, or say, in nearly everything related to the revitalization of the downtown area. A few of his accomplishments include: two-time President of the Dubuque Merchants Association, President of the Main Street Association, Committee to save the Town Clock and have it moved to its current location, “Sertoman of the year” honors and helping establish a second Knights of Columbus court and being the charter Grand Knight. He also served on the following boards: Dubuque Racing Association, Sertoma, Mercy Hospital, Clarke College and Dubuque Men’s Association. And he was a member of the following: Rotary, Squires, 6:60, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque Merchants Association.

When he retired from the clothing store he began his second career with Hoffman-Schneider Funeral Home arranging pre-needs. Tom was not a man to let grass grow under his feet. This career allowed him to use his compassion and caring nature to help others deal with the final phase of their lives.

Tom was a very faith-filled man. He was a 57 year active member of St. Anthony’s parish: chair of the fall festival committee for several years, parish council member, co-chair of the fundraiser for religious retirement, Eucharistic minister, and many other activities for the church. He also participated in Emmaus and CEW weekends.

One of Tom’s strongest beliefs was no one should ever be alone in this world, which is why there were always extra place settings at the family dinners and holiday celebrations. Tom was a mentor and teacher to everyone without even knowing it.

Tom’s family and friends meant everything to him. His motto in life was “work hard, play hard”. He always made time to attend kids’ functions. He was an avid outdoorsman, golfer and everything water related. He could often be found taking time off work to teach these activities to kids and grandkids. He founded the Graham Open golf tournament in 2000, as an excuse to bring family and friends together. He was the life of the party with his entertaining sense of humor, quick wit, inviting and friendly smile and addictive personality. He was a loving, caring man that would drop anything for a family member or friend. Everyone he met became a family member – he never met a stranger.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo, children Ed & Anne Graham, Ann Graham & Jerry Breiby, Bob & Brenda Graham and Don & Lori Graham, grandchildren Jessie Graham, Eric & Amberlyn Graham, Nick Graham & Stephanie Christianson, Ellie & Logan Koenig, Calli & Casey VanCleve, Tammy & Craig Kirch, Wendy Breiby, and Melanie Boehnen, great grandchildren Breana & Connor Stevens, Ahanu Mackey and Jeremiah Kirch and great, great grandchildren Finnley & Rosie Stevens; Brothers Jim & Jane Graham, Joe Graham and John & Sharon Graham, Brothers and sisters in law Eileen Birkett, John & Jan Birkett, Rose & Al Main, Ruth Frantzen, Beth Splinter, Tom & Thalia Birkett and Kay & John Peters, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque and Jim Schneider and his staff.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com