Irene Lorraine Graham, age 80, of Benson, died Friday, April 25, 2014 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Services: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson, with Rev. William Warnock officiating. Interment will be held in the Benson City Cemetery. Visitation: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Benson. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service. Irene Lorraine (Dahl) Graham was born on October 1, 1933, in Langhei Township, Pope County, Minnesota, the daughter of Guy O. and Gladys E. (Halvorson) Dahl. She was baptized and confirmed at East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck. She graduated from Starbuck High School as the class valedictorian in 1951 and went to work in Anchorage Alaska at the 1st National Bank of Alaska. On May 21, 1955, Irene was united in marriage to Thomas A. Graham at the East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck. This union was blessed with over 58 years of marriage, three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. After their marriage, Irene worked in Benson for the Register of Deeds for Swift County, Finger Hut, Community First Bank, and then Chamberlain Oil in Clontarf. She was a lifetime member of the Benson V.F.W Auxiliary, where she served as their pianist; a member of T.O.P's; and an active member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, where she served on the Church Diaconate Board, in the church Choir, and worked with the church News Letter. Irene enjoyed volunteer work, playing piano, music, her years in a band that played for many wedding dances, fishing, bowling, and traveling to see her family. She was an avid sports fan and especially loved following the Minnesota Twins. Her home was a gathering spot for family and friends. Irene was received into the fullness of life on Friday, April 25, 2014, at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She attained the age of 80 years, 6 months, and 24 days. She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Graham of Benson; daughter, Patty (Mike) McLaughlin of Benson; two sons: Donald Graham of Willmar and Steven Graham of Prior Lake; three grandchildren: Jennifer McLaughlin of Blaine, Stacie Graham of Fargo, ND, and Thomas Graham of Prior Lake; great-grandchild, Payton Sharp; two brothers: Delmont Dahl of Benson and Darwin (Marge) Dahl of Benson; sister-in-law, Evelyn Dahl of Cloquet; an aunt, Elaine (Sheldon) Lewis of Rockford, IL; and numerous dear nephews, nieces and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Gladys Dahl; and two brothers, Howard Dahl and Walter Dahl.
