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Clifford E. Graham, 65, a long-time resident of Spooner, died unexpectedly at his home late Friday night/early Saturday morning, Jan. 16, 2016.
Cliff was born on January 13, 1951, in Minneapolis to Herbert and Hertha Graham. After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years during Vietnam. Upon his discharge, he lived in Rice Lake and attended the University of Wisconsin-Barron County. He then moved to Trego.
It was during this time he met his future wife Kay, who was living in Wausau at the time. He and Kay were united in marriage on November 28, 1980, at Spooner Wesleyan Church. They made their home in Trego until 1993 when they decided to fulfill their dream of raising their family in the country setting. The family still resides there, in the town of Crystal.
The breadth and depth of Cliff’s vocabulary, love of crossword puzzles, and a passion for history were all the direct result of his being a voracious reader. He looked forward to weekly poker games at The Prime, and playing cribbage or 3-13 was standard practice anytime he was with family or friends. Cliff was witty and clever, so there was never a shortage of laughter when he was near.
He loved to be outside and had a great appreciation for nature. His soul was gentle and kind, and his presence will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Jessica Graham, of Menomonie; son, Benjamin Graham, of Rice Lake; grandson, Clayton; brothers and sisters, Gary (Darlene) Graham of Trego, Carolyn Graham of Kansas, Debra (Paul) Morgan of Trego, Gail (Jeff) Tarbet of Superior, Judi Graham of Bloomer, and Charles (Laura) Graham of Trego; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, at Scalzo Taylor Chapel, Spooner.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner.
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Jeff Nelson
Cliff was one of the nicest guys in our class. Always had a smile
And something nice to say to me. He surely will be missed!
Colleen Cipra (Haines)
Cliff was always kind and considerate of people. In High School he always treated me with respect and kindness. He will be missed.
Dave Davenport
Cliff and I lived together while attending UW Barron County Campus in Rice Lake. He was a great friend, gentle giant and I like to think my sense of humor was contagious. He was one of the hardest working, labor intensive, back breaking job finders, just to make a few bucks while we were in College, we split wood or dug Graves in Earl Cemetary..I'll always admire his work ethic and the kind of Man he was, his Family could always be proud of him and we will all miss Cliff for the person he was.