Roy Graham, a devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Jan. 8, 1941, Roy was the son of Henry and Elsie (nee Alden) Graham. He is survived by his brother Robert (Dana) Graham and sister Luellen (David) Schmitt. He is preceded in death by his parents Elsie and Henry, brother Raymond, and sister Lucien Buroker.
Roy met the love of his life Sandra Fuller at Pete’s Hideaway in Lake Geneva, where fate stepped in while she was playing the drums in her dad’s family band. They were married in Lake Geneva on Nov. 28, 1964, beginning a journey that spanned six decades of love, laughter, bantering and unwavering partnership. Roy and Sandy moved to Washington early in their marriage. Roy worked for Boeing Airlines as a mechanic. They returned to Wisconsin in 1968 where they found their home of over 53 years in Burlington on Windy Acres on Hwy 11. There, they raised two children Kelsey (Danny) Berg and Wade Graham. They built a life filled with family, hard work and dedication. Roy was a heavy equipment operator and worked for Wanasek Corportation for over 20 years before retiring.
After retirement Roy and Sandy enjoyed the simple things in life including Friday night fish fries with his brother Bob and wife Dana, and Sunday drives listening to old country music. Kitty Wells was his favorite on those Sunday drives across Wisconsin. They often ended up in the driftless region by the Mississippi River near Viroqua where he grew up. On many Sunday drives they ended up stopping by their daughters house to eat supper and visit with their grandson Andrew, and Kelsey’s husband Danny. Roy loved Kelsey’s cooking and baking. He always had room for a home -made sugar cookies and cherry or apple pie. He had a real sweet tooth. Other meaningful times were spent in the family’s woods on their property. Oftentimes he and Wade would be cutting wood for Wade to use to heat his home for winter, or talking to the hunters in the woods. It was time spent together that meant the most to him. Roy also played a special role in raising their niece Vanessa who holds a special place and deeply treasured place in their hearts. This bond was one of guidance, love, and lifelong connection.
Roy had a love for horses, woodworking, and found peace driving his ATV around his property though he no longer hunted. He found enjoyment in watching Mike and Troy hunt on his land.
In recent years Roy became a devoted caregiver to his beloved wife Sandy, as she faces the challenges of Alzheimers and Dementia. True to his character, he met this role with love and fierce loyalty. Since Sandy no longer cooked they found comfort and friendship in the daily dinners at Pine Street Cafe where Alexis and staff became like extended family. Roy, always quick with wit and playful smile and a twinkle in his blue eyes, earned the affectionate nickname “Sassy” from those who came to love him there. For over 40 years Roy remained close to his daughters three friends Nancy, Sherry and Lisa. He referred to them as his “other” daughters. The feeling was mutual. They loved him as a father also. Roy’s legacy is one of quick generosity, deep devotion and love for this family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A special thanks to the Aurora Hospice staff, Vicki, Renee, Liz and many others for their support and compassion during this difficult time. Memorials can be donated to Aurora Hospice, or the Alzheimers or Colon Cancer Foundations.
The family will have a celebration of life after Sandra passes to make it easier on her. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
To post an online condolence please visit www.derrickfuneralhome.com.
