Colleen Graham

Colleen M. Graham, a devoted mother, cherished caregiver and steadfast woman of faith, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at the age of 64.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. The Rev. James Groleau will preside. Please join the family at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Colleen was born on January 1,1962, the daughter of Herman and Gloria (Updyke) Hoffman in Marshfield. She graduated from Colby High School in 1980 and received an associate degree in retail from Northcentral Technical College. On July 30, 1988, Colleen was united in marriage to Bruce Graham. They later divorced. She worked in retail sales before working at Christ Lutheran Church Preschool in Abbotsford as the child care director and at Zion Lutheran Church Preschool in Colby.

A natural nurturer, Colleen dedicated her life to the care and happiness of children. Through her in-home daycare, she provided a safe, loving and joyful environment for countless little ones, leaving an indelible mark on families throughout the community. Colleen cared for an autistic child and poured her heart into ensuring this boy felt uniquely seen, valued and fiercely loved. Colleen was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. Beyond her community work, she brought an immense zest to life. She was an extraordinary cook, famously celebrated for winning a chili cook-off three years in a row. She found peace tending to her beautiful flowers, joy in swimming, and her greatest comfort in her family. She loved her parents and family deeply, anchoring them all with her boundless warmth. Colleen is survived by her five children: Bryanna (Darian) Sheer of Colby, Bruce Quentin Graham (fiancée, Felicia Leichtman) of Colby, Danny Graham of Wausau, Sally Graham of Nekoosa and Rachel Grefe (Nick Weisenfeld) of Merrill; 12 grandchildren and four siblings: Pauline Connors of Stratford, Laurene (Mark) Brusso of Tomahawk, Joeline Hoffman of Stratford and Herman (Petra) Hoffman of N.C.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Aiden Grefe and a brother-in-law, Joe Connors.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com.