Norene L. Graham, age 74, of Tigerton passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
The former Norene Leslie Meyer was born on September 11, 1942 in Wausau to Leslie and Vivian (Sylbeldon) Meyer. She was raised in the Wausau area and graduated from DC Everest High School. Norene was united in marriage on October 17, 1959 to Philip L. Graham in Wausau. The couple lived for a short time in the Bowler and Iola areas until settling in Tigerton. Norene and Phil dairy farmed for several years and she enjoyed being a homemaker. She also worked for some years at Hansen Glove Factory and Wisconsin Clock Factory, both in Clintonville. Then Norene was employed for some time as a custodian at North Star Mohican Casino in Bowler.
In 2008 the couple started the Main Street Diner and later on built the bar and began Graham’s Hideaway, both in the Tigerton mini mall building. Norene is a former member of St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton. Making trips out west often to Wyoming, Montana, or Arizona is what she liked best. Her husband Philip preceded her in death on May 24, 2015.
For a special treat she rarely turned down a good bowl of ice cream or a Shamrock Shake. Her favorite pastime was visiting with people at the diner and she always loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include four children, Randy (Julia) Graham of Tigerton, Julie (friend Brian Genskow) Graham of Marion, Debbie (Mark) Dedolph of Tigerton, and Rick (Andrea) Graham of Tigerton. There are 10 grandchildren, Josh Graham, Jake (Terri) Graham, Jenny (Jason) Wesolowski, Stephanie (friend Jason) Dedolph, Matt (Nikki) Dedolph, Donte (fiancée Victoria) Graham, Robert Graham, Ryder Graham, Deryck Graham, and Braxton Genskow. There are 3 great grandchildren, Ezra and Ella Wesolowski and Mackenzie Ratliff. There is a brother Gary (Donna) Meyer of Ringle; a brother-in-law Edward Graham of Wittenberg; and four sisters-in-law Lillian “Ann” Bessette of Clintonville, Dorothy (Butch) Wedde of Gresham, Pam Meyer of Hatley, and Patty Meyer of Schofield. She is furthers survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Norene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Philip, an infant baby boy, a teenage son Robbie, a sister Mary (Bruce) Haff, two brothers Orville and Duane Meyer, and a brother-in-law Leo Bessette.
Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 7th at 12:00 Noon at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton. Rev. Clifford Kessen will officiate and burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home.
The family wishes to especially thank mom’s close friends Carolyn and Darlene for their love and support for so many years.