Dave Graham

Harry David Graham, age 80, of Centerville, Iowa, formerly of University Park and New Sharon, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, May 26, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Dave was born on December 2, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Harry and Louise (Floyd) Graham. He spent his early childhood in Oskaloosa before moving to Stuart, Iowa, for part of his schooling. True to his mischievous nature, Dave always chuckled at the town’s welcome sign that read, “Home of 1,700 Good Eggs and a Few Stinkers,” proudly claiming the title of one of those stinkers. He eventually returned to Oskaloosa and graduated from high school in 1961. He later completed basic training and served his country in the National Guard. On April 24, 1965, Dave married the love of his life, Sherry. They later celebrated their union surrounded by family and friends at the Oskaloosa Gospel Tabernacle on August 7, 1965. The two built a life filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of orneriness-mostly on Dave’s part. They were blessed with two daughters, Angela in 1967 and Amy in 1975. In 1978, the family settled in New Sharon, where they raised their girls before moving to University Park in 2000. Dave’s strong work ethic led him through a variety of jobs-from an auto body shop to Western Auto, Sparks Glass, and ultimately, a 25-year career with Pella Corporation, where he retired in 2009. Even in retirement, Dave stayed active, working with his hands, turning houses into homes (thanks to Sherry’s eye for décor, crafting in his woodshop, and hitting up every garage sale in sight. His own “Crazy Harry’s Garage Sales” became a seasonal staple, and if he wasn’t hosting one, he was surely out hunting for a treasure for one of his kids or grandkids. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sherry; his daughter, Angela; and his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Mary Job. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Amy (Ryan) Stephens; his grandchildren, Hailey (Trevor) Walker, Mickey Stephens, Connor Stephens, and Zach (Rylie) Noel; and his adored great-grandchildren, Tyce, Karter, and the newest Kohyn Georgia, who arrived just three days before he left to meet his wife and daughter in heaven. To know Dave was to be smiled at, teased a little, and left feeling just a bit brighter. Whether you’d known him for decades or five minutes, he had a way of making everyone feel like family. He was truly one of the sweetest gems—his memory will forever be a treasure. The memorial service for Dave will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2025, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Pastors Burdell Hensley and Kenny Morlan officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery. The family will greet visitors from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to his family in Amy Stephen’s name; charity to be determined later.

Dave Graham

December 2, 1944 - May 26, 2025