Obituary: Patricia Graham

Patricia Graham

Park Rapids, Minn.

Patricia "Patti" Rosemarie Graham, 82, Park Rapids, Minn. passed away Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at her home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Patricia was born in Strasburg, N.D. on April 27, 1941, the daughter of Elias and Mary Anne (Schneider) Brickner. She attended grade school in Hague, junior high in Casselton, and graduated from Carrington High School in 1959. In 1963 she graduated from Minot State University with majors of Education for the Deaf, Speech Therapy and Elementary Education. Upon graduation she worked as a speech therapist at Camp Grassick. She taught second grade at the North Dakota School for the Deaf in Devil's Lake for two years. It was here she met the love of her life, John E. Graham of Oberon, N.D. They were married December 28, 1964 in Carrington, N.D. They moved to the family farm in 1965. She taught in the Oberon School until the birth of her children.

In 1979 John and Patti moved to New Rockford. She resumed her teaching career and taught at the New Rockford Public School until her retirement in 2000. After retirement, they made their home in Mesa, Ariz., during the winter months. While there, Patti was active in many activities. She was a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association, Saint John's Catholic Church, NREA, NEA, and Altar Society.

Patti enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Much of her pastime was spent reading, golfing and crocheting. Her daily walks became a routine as did working daily crossword puzzles.

Patti is survived by her husband, John Graham of Park Rapids, Minn.; children, Joleen (David) Delahunt of Park Rapids, Jeffrey J. (Martha) Graham of Fishers, Ind.; siblings, Charles (Maxine) Brickner of Rice Lake, Wisc., Anita (Bob) Bickett Lamp of Alexandria, Minn., Maria Locker of Casper, Wyo., Janie (Greg) Wolf of Bowman, N.D., Vicki (Paul) Simons of Sedona, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Mary Anne Brickner.

Arrangements by Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, Minn.