Emerald Katherine Grahlman

Emerald K. Grahlman, 88, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, November 28, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon, IA. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date in Oakland Cemetery in Waukon, with Pastor Garry Birth officiating. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon assisted the family with arrangements.

Emerald Katherine Grahlman was born on September 30, 1921 on her parent's farm in rural Dorchester, IA, the daughter of Roy and Lena (Hahn) Sires. She attended Elementary School in rural Dorchester and attended the Oak Park Academy in Nevada, IA. On November 18, 1939 she married Clayton C. Grahlman in Sumner, IA. Emerald worked at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon as a secretary before they moved to Clayton, IA in 1959. She worked for Patterson Elevator in Clayton. While in Clayton, Emerald served as the mayor, on the city council and as the city clerk. She moved to Waukon in 1981 after the death of Clayton. Emerald was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Red Hats and Sweet Adelines. She enjoyed reading, spending time with her family especially during the holidays.

Survivors include her children Janice (Walter) Kurth, June Sweeney both of Waukon, IA and James (Sarah) Grahlman of Cedar Rapids, IA; 5 grandchildren, Dave (Darcy) Kurth of Arlington, IA, Deb (Chris) Funk of Garnavillo, IA, Herb (Vicky) Behrend, Matt (Cindy) Behrend both of Waukon and Michelle Godfrey of West Des Moines, IA; 11 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Goldie Rocksvold of Waukon and Beryl Pokorny of Havana, IL and a brother, Roy T. (Marce) Sires Waverly, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clayton; a granddaughter, Marsha Behrend; 3 sisters, Pearl Ehde, Sylvia May and Opal Britain; 2 brothers, James and Sardius Sires.