Mr. Gary Grahn

Gary Grahn passed away on November 2, 2024, after a fulfilled, happy, and faithful life. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many and will be greatly missed. Gary loved life - he enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally, he loved his dogs, he was an avid reader, especially John Grisham books and at least two newspapers a day, and he loved a good cold beer, judging microbrews in his retirement. Gary was always a compassionate champion for the marginalized - there are countless lives he improved through deeds we will never truly know about. Most of all, he was a family man. He shared a wonderful life with his wife and was the best "papa" to his children and grandchildren. He was responsible for providing countless adventures and experiences to his children and grandchildren. He always made sure that there were visits to museums and battlegrounds as well as tickets to plays and ballgames. All of these were accompanied by a great meal and, of course, a cold beer. His children always knew he was very tuned in to their careers, offering his advice, and, after listening to earnings calls, made sure they were aware of their employer's current stock price. His grandchildren will always remember how he loved doing puzzles and decorating Easter eggs and Holiday cookies with them (or at least he acted like it). Gary loved studying the Bible and was very involved in Norcross First Global Methodist Church, where he was a member for 38 years. He held many roles at his church including mission trips to Cuba and Nicaragua, as well as multiple trips to Africa and Israel. Gary was born in Oceanside, NY, on September 22, 1943. In 1964, Gary graduated from Gettysburg College with a BA in Mathematics, and in 1967 from Rochester University with an MBA in Marketing. After graduation, Gary spend the next six years in the National Guard Reserve. As Gary's career advanced, he took advantage of opportunities that led him to Toledo, OH; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; and lastly, Atlanta, GA where he has lived since 1982. After making significant business contributions to American Photo Group, he accepted the role off Chief Executive Officer at Langer Bio Mechanics in New York before retiring at age 55. Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Madeline Nellie Dietz Syversten; stepfather, Christian Syversten; and wife, Karen Duggan Grahn. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sharon Mulkey Grahn; brother, Henry "Sonny" Grahn; cousin, Ron May; son David Grahn (Karen); daughter, Cindy Grahn Scharyj (George); and son, Michael Williams (Hannah). In addition to many nieces and nephews, he was adored by his grandchildren: Kendall, Hannah and Jenna Grahn; Ella and Jackson Williams; Alexander Scharyj; and Raquel Mazur (Zach). A celebration of life will be held on November 14th at 2:00 p.m. at Norcross First Global Methodist Church with Visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to International Missions at Norcross First Global Methodist Church.

Mr. Gary Grahn

September 22, 1943 - November 2, 2024