We lost a great Rotarian on July 20th when Jim Graham died. Jim was a faithful Rotarian and good friend.
Among many other things, Jim led the committee that developed the first Moline Rotary website, and was integral in the many updates along the way.
Thank you, Jim, for putting Service Above Self in your many good deeds during your long life!
Here is Jim's Obituary:
James A. Graham, age 95, a resident of Wheaton, IL, formerly of Moline, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023. He was born April 1, 1928 in Howard County, IN, to Charles & Bertha Graham.
He received a master's degree ('53) in agricultural engineering from Purdue University. James had a remarkable career with John Deere, where he served in many positions as an engineer including Director of Reliability. He retired from the Technical Center in 1987 after 35 years of service.
James was an active and valued member of the Rotary in Moline for many years where he was committed to serving others. He also served several years on the City of Moline Planning Commission. James was an active member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Moline.
He is survived by his children Marilyn Graham & Charles (Ellen) Graham; his daughter-in-law Rebeca Graham; his grandchildren James (Vanessa) Graham, Abigail Graham & Julia (Robert) Guest; his great-granddaughter Paulina Guest; and several siblings, numerous stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and many nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his three wives: Julia, Helen & Velma; his son Michael; his grandson George Graham.
A visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 410 N. Cross, Wheaton, IL 60187, on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Moline, IL.
Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Moline Rotarian Gary Francque traveled to Belgium in June with grandsons Trevor and Connor to visit the homeland of their Belgian ancestors, and to visit two former Moline Rotary Exchange Students. Gary's great grandparents and his one year old grandfather resided in the small town of Kaprijke, in West Flanders before emigrating to USA in 1902, and settling in the Quad Cities area. Gary and grandsons arrived in Brussels, visiting tourist attractions there for a couple of days, and then heading Kaprijke and Eeklo to visit relatives, all third, fourth and fifth cousins. Highlights included visiting the Francque ancestral hometown of Kaprijke, including the the Church of the Ascension, where generations of Francques were members, and the original homes of Gary's ancestors in town.
Here are some Highlights:
The trip focused on Rotary International Youth Exchange when the Francques visited former 2017-18 exchange student to Moline Halenka Pellichero and her parents Philippe and Manuela in Gotroux, Charleroi. Halenka, now age 23, graduated from University of Brussels with a degree in fashion design and is now seeking a fashion position. The Francques also met up with former 2019-20 exchange student Lucas Molle in Ghent where they toured an ancient castle and caught up at Lucas' favorite Ghent pub. Lucas, now age 21, is attending a local college near his hometown of LaLouviere. The Francques filled out their Belgian adventure with trips to Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp.
- Heather Calvert, Executive Director, Deere-Wiman House
Announcements:
- Next Week: Moline Rotary's 2023-34 Youth Exchange Outbound Student to Brazil, Lucy Lareau and parents will visit Moline Rotary.
Rotary Night @ Q.C. River Bandits:
FRIDAY - AUGUST 11, 2023
Bring your family, friends, and prospective Rotarians!
Gates open at 5:45pm - Game time 6:30pm
RIVER BANDITS vs CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS
SPECIAL ROTARY RESERVED BOX SEATS SECTION
TICKETS JUST $10!
A Joint Quad City Area Rotary Event
50-50 is Back!
Looking for the King of Spades! Come to the meetings and let's build that prize pot!
Gift Certificate Give-a-way Alert!!
During each month, Rotarians can earn tickets that go into a jar. One ticket for every time you participate in a club service project, two tickets for each guest, five tickets if you sponsor a new member. During the last meeting of the month, we pull a name and give the card.
The Four-Way Test: Of the things we think, say, or do: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
If you no longer wish to receive Moline Rotary's Weekly Newsletter, please click the unsubscribe link below
Moline Rotarian Gary Francque traveled to Belgium in June with grandsons Trevor and Connor to visit the homeland of their Belgian ancestors, and to visit two former Moline Rotary Exchange Students. Gary's great grandparents and his one year old grandfather resided in the small town of Kaprijke, in West Flanders before emigrating to USA in 1902, and settling in the Quad Cities area. Gary and grandsons arrived in Brussels, visiting tourist attractions there for a couple of days, and then heading Kaprijke and Eeklo to visit relatives, all third, fourth and fifth cousins. Highlights included visiting the Francque ancestral hometown of Kaprijke, including the the Church of the Ascension, where generations of Francques were members, and the original homes of Gary's ancestors in town. 
During each month, Rotarians can earn tickets that go into a jar. One ticket for every time you participate in a club service project, two tickets for each guest, five tickets if you sponsor a new member. During the last meeting of the month, we pull a name and give the card.
.png)
