Stephen Gunning Graliker's Obituary
Stephen Gunning Graliker, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2012 at Imboden Creek Living Center after a brief illness.
Born in Decatur, Illinois on February 29, 1920, he was the son of Bernard Graliker and Anne J. Gunning Graliker. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brother, James Dirksen Graliker, who died in infancy, and his sister, Rosemary Graliker Osborn.
He is survived by his niece, Nancy A. van Grondelle, and her husband, Bert, of Niskayuna, New York and his great-niece, Anne E. van Grondelle, of Madison, Wisconsin. He leaves his long-time secretary and family friend, Ann J. Schanuel. He also leaves two cousins: Betty V. Graliker of Los Angeles, California and John R.Stewart of Palm Coast, Florida.
Steve graduated from Georgia Military Academy now Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia in 1938. He maintained strong ties with the Academy and established the Anne G. and Bernard Graliker Visiting Speaker Series in honor of his parents. In recognition of his dedication to the Academy, they presented him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2001.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1942. He kept a strong interest in the University. He served as the treasurer of the Class of 1942 and nurtured the school spirit by writing a regular newsletter for his class. He also served as a member of the Notre Dame Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Following his college graduation, Steve volunteered with the “Flying Irish” for Naval Aviation Training. He served in the Navy in World War II as a fighter pilot in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He remained in the Naval Reserve after the war until 1968, attaining the rank of Commander in 1953. He took great pride in his service to his country. His time in the Navy also gave him an enduring interest in the military history of naval warfare in World War II.
Steve had a long and successful business career. He was a Chartered Life Underwriter with The Union Central Life Insurance Company for 65 years until the time of his death. He was a co-founder of Northtown Bank and Trust in Decatur, Illinois and served the bank in many capacities, including President and Chairman of the Board.
He felt a strong commitment to the Decatur community and volunteered his services to many local organizations, including St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Teresa High School, St. Patrick Church, Millikin University, the Decatur YMCA, and the United Way.
Steve liked to travel and was passionate about his golf game. He played in International Senior Amateur Golf Society tournaments for many years and brought home a number of trophies, which he proudly displayed.
He was an outstanding gentleman and a good friend to many. He was also “Uncle Steve” to many of the children and grandchildren of his friends. His legendary tales and outgoing personality will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Thursday April 26, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; vigil prayer service at 4:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be 1 pm, Friday, April 27, 2012 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, Rev. John Burnette celebrant. Private burial with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Decatur.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Steve’s name may be made to St. Patrick Church, St. Teresa High School, and the Decatur Family YMCA.
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