Graham R. Uzlik, 90
Published 7:01 am Sunday, August 2, 2015
Graham R. Uzlik 90, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday morning, July 22, 2015, at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Graham was born on Dec. 14, 1924, in Austin, Minnesota, to Frank Uzlik Jr. and Barbara (Hruby) Uzlik. Graham graduated from Austin High School and Austin Community College. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry and was awarded the bronze star for meritorious achievements in Germany during WWII. Following business studies at the University of Minnesota, Graham was appointed Deputy Auditor in 1949. He was appointed Mower County Auditor in 1955 and served in that elected position for 30 years.
Early in his life, Graham enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with his father and uncles. Later in life, rebuilding cars and gardening were his hobbies. But throughout his life, he found most joy in annual family vacation road trips to all parts of the U.S. and attending family gatherings for holidays, birthdays, baptisms, graduations and weddings.
Graham was involved in many local charitable organizations such as the Lions, Elks, VFW, and Legion clubs. He also served on the Salvation Army board of directors and was Treasurer for Oakwood Cemetery in Austin until the fall of 2014.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife Alma (Byers) Uzlik.
Graham is survived by his sister, Barbara Johnson of Los Angeles, California; daughter Jan Uzlik (John Desmond) of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota; sons: Brad (Leslie) Uzlik of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Frank Uzlik of Cleveland, Minnesota; along with five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 204 1st Ave N.W., Austin MN with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota, with Austin Post No. 91 American Legion and Olaf B. Damm Post No. 1216 Veterans of Foreign Wars in charge of military rites. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.