Michael Graham

Pastor Michael David Graham went with the Lord peacefully at the University of Chicago Hospital on Wednesday July 12, 2017 at 12:04 A.M.  in Chicago, IL at the age of 65.

Michael is survived by wife Rebeca, son Edin (Oralia, Edin Jr, & Caleb), son James(Vanessa), Daughter Julia (Robert), father James (Velma), sister Marilyn, brother Charles (Ellen, and Abigail). Michael is preceded in death by his mother Julia and nephew George.

Michael was born on July 14, 1951 in Kokomo, Indiana to James and Julia Graham. Michael graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 with a degree in Engineering and Physics. Michael also obtained a Master’s of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminar Fort Wayne in 1979. Michael married Rebeca while he was a missionary in Guatemala from 1984 to 1990. He was a candidate for a Doctorate in Intercultural Communication for Christian Mission, but was unable to finish due to being diagnosed leukemia in 1990. He then entered remission for twenty-five years. After moving to Aurora, IL in 1989, Michael, began working with a Spanish Ministry at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. In 1995, he started working at Global Transcription service as a proofreader. In 1996, he started working at Tyndale House Publishers as a Network Engineer for twelve years. In 2008, Michael was called to be the Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL. Michael and Ana welcomed their first child James Michael Graham, on November 21, 1987, and then welcomed their second child Julia Rebeca Graham May 7, 1996. Michael and Ana taught their children about God’s word and the importance of education. Michael’s children remember him as a kind, gentle, generous, intelligent, and a man of God. Michael encouraged them to pursue their goals and follow God’s word.

Michael was passionate about spreading the Gospel and helping those who were in need, he spent eleven years as a Missionary in Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. Michael was a generous individual who loved God and his family dearly. Michael truly enjoyed being a Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and served there for nine years. Michael enjoyed storm spotting (Certified Storm Spotter with the National Weather Service), photography, astronomy, and playing music on the piano.

A viewing is scheduled for Friday July 21, 2017 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and the funeral is scheduled for July 22, 2017 at 12:00 PM both will be at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow at the service. Pastor Jared Eggebraaten will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Michael's new life. The Graham family is grateful for all of those who have played an important role in Michael’s life, and who have helped during this time. Donations can be in his honor to Light For Christ-Guatemala  at https://holycrosslutheran.net/lightsforchrist-guatemala/