Mary Ellen Graham Obituary
Mary Ellen Graham 12/19/1948 to 9/13/2023 Watertown, Wisconsin Mary Ellen was born to Al and Maddie Quandt on December 19th, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. Baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on January 16th, 1949, she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on April 15th, 1962 at Hope Lutheran Church. Her confirmation verse was John 10:27-28: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.". She heard the voice of the Good Shepherd and found strength and comfort in the fellowship of the church (Emanuel Lutheran Tawas City, MI; Bethany Lutheran, Saginaw, MI; St. John's Lutheran, Two Rivers, WI; and St. Paul's Lutheran, Lake Mills, WI).
Mary Ellen was a graduate of Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw. She was employed for many years at Michigan Bell (Ameritech). An early retirement allowed her and her faithful husband Walt many years to enjoy the grandkids, spending time by Lake Michigan, and plenty of good breakfasts with family and friends. She was a regular supporter of her children and grandchildren at their many sports and activities. A good book, following her Detroit sports teams, spoiling her dogs, and conversations with her loved ones and friends filled her days.
Mary Ellen was called home to her eternal rest on September 13th at the age of 74 years. She leaves to mourn her passing: children Missy and Sam McKenna, and John and Sarah Bortulin; grandchildren Bailee, Maddie, Brendan (fiancée Abbie DiGiovanni) McKenna, and Andrea, Emma, Naomi, Claire, Maria Bortulin; brother John (Sandie) Quandt, in-laws Carol Quandt, Jack (Rose) Graham, and cousin Kathy (Jerry) Begley who was like a sister to her; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Walter Graham, her parents, and her brothers Richard and Bob Quandt.
Mary Ellen's family would like to express their thanks to the excellent care provided by Heritage Spero Home in Watertown and Rainbow Hospice. The pastoral team from St. Paul's in Lake Mills, and Pr. Bartsch and Pr. Gaertner from the Lutheran Home, were a source of comfort and blessing for Mary Ellen and her family.
A memorial Service will be held at a later date. There her family and friends will have the opportunity to have a good laugh at death, recognizing that in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, death doesn't win. We grieve, but not as those without hope, for Christ is risen, He is risen, indeed! Anyone wishing to make a memorial in Mary Ellen's name may wish to consider Lakeside Lutheran High School, Luther Prep School, or Michigan Lutheran Seminary.
Special thanks to Mike Patterson from Schmidt-Bartelt Funeral Home in Mukwonago for assisting the family with arrangements.
