Doris C. Graham

Doris C. Graham, a lifelong resident of Hibbing, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm. Doris was 104 years old. Doris was born on June 28, 1921, to Hjalmer and Idur Olson. On May 11, 1941, she married Kenneth Graham, who she described as “so handsome, with a wonderful sense of humor.” In 1950, they bought Judge Hughes’ summer home east of the Range Regional Airport. On this “little piece of heaven” they raised their four children until moving back into town in 1965 to care for Doris’ father. Doris loved people and deliberately worked in areas where she could use her social skills. She worked at the Androy Hotel right out of High School. In 1966, she joined 'Welcome Wagon,' visiting new families and helping them acclimate to the Hibbing Area. Her final job was at the Mesaba Clinic, where she started as a switchboard operator and later advanced to the record-keeping department. Doris continued to work there until her retirement in 1982. Doris was a lively and sociable person throughout her life. She had a great sense of humor and fashion. She loved hosting celebrations, from holidays to casual get-togethers, always making events feel special. Her energy was infectious, and she cherished her friendships, often saying, “always have a few friends much younger than yourself.” Alongside her daughters, who were among her closest friends, she had a special friendship with Marilyn Nelson. The two enjoyed many trips to Laughlin, Nevada, with their last trip to Laughlin in 2018, when Doris was 97. Traveling brought Doris joy, and she would return with funny and fascinating stories. Her athletic side enjoyed bowling, golfing, and curling. However, her true passion was playing cards, a love that began when she learned to play bridge at ten years of age. She gained skill in various card games and even took first place in a state-run duplicate bridge tournament in the mid-1960s. Whenever you were with Doris, it was all about playing cards. In her later years, when asked about the secret to her long life, Doris would say, “always have something on your calendar." At age 101, she sadly needed to leave her home of 80 years and move into a nursing facility. While the transition was tough, after a few months, her engaging spirit returned, often exclaiming, “Let’s Go!” when visitors arrived. To all who loved and supported Doris throughout her life she will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered. She is survived by her three daughters: Kathy (Jim) Koslowski, Kim (Mike) Mikulich, Kari (Chuck) Graham Mandsager. Her cherished grandchildren: Shane (Leann) Johnson, Sara Johnson, Amber Graham, Rick Graham, Amanda Mikulich, Terrijo (Ray) Mikulich, Rochelle (Garrison) Mikulich, Kate (Josh) Mikulich, great grandchildren: Kirsten Estell, Leah Pratt, Austen Graham, Eli Graham, Gracie Johnson, Graham Johnson, Gabrielle Johnson, Vivienne Anderson, Geneva Anderson, great great grandchildren: Noah Graham, Rio Estell, Avery Graham. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, two brothers, and her son Kennth R. (Ricky) Graham. The family would like to thank Heritage Manor and Fairview Range Home Care and Hospice for their care and kindness toward Doris. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, Friday, July 18th, 2025, at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The service begins at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.