Graham David

Luck

Graham David Luck, 88, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026. 

Graham was born on September 26, 1938, in Northampton, England, to Joseph Henry and Lily (Wright) Luck. His journey began across the ocean, where his father had traveled to the United States to work and save enough money to bring the rest of the family to America. At the age of nine, Graham made that journey with his family, beginning a new chapter in a life that would be filled with hard work, love, friendship, and a remarkable willingness to share his many talents with others. 

Graham attended vocational school and began his career as a painting contractor, first working for Erickson before joining his brother in their own business, Luck Painting and Decorating. His career later took him to Merrillville, Indiana, where he worked in sales and as a store manager for Pittsburgh Paints. Eventually, he returned to the Rochester area and joined Sherwin-Williams, working in sales and store management. It was there that Graham discovered another talent: repairing painting equipment. With his mechanical ability and determination to figure things out, he quickly became known as the "go-to guy" whenever something needed fixing. What began as a part of his job eventually became his specialty, and he continued repairing painting equipment until his retirement. If something was broken, chances were Graham could find a way to make it work again.

 One of the most meaningful chapters of Graham's life began at a community dance in Wasioja, Minnesota, where he met Marilyn Phelps. That chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful love story, and on June 30, 1957, they were united in marriage at the old historic church in Wasioja. Together, Graham and Marilyn shared 69 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around love, family, faith, and friendship. Graham took great pride in being a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a dependable provider for his family. 

Music was another lifelong passion of Graham's. He began playing instruments as a young boy, and throughout the years, his musical talents brought him into numerous bands. Whether he was playing guitar, keeping the beat on the drums, sitting at a keyboard, or lending his voice to a song, Graham loved making music. It was one more way he connected with people and shared his enjoyment of life. 

Graham also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and an even greater passion for passing along his knowledge to younger generations. When he and Marilyn built their first home in 1962, Graham began teaching youth hunter safety classes right in their basement. What started there became a lifelong commitment to educating young people about responsible hunting and firearm safety. He taught hunter safety courses for many years and, beginning in 2015, helped coach Rochester area high school trapshooting clubs. Graham genuinely enjoyed working with young people, helping them develop confidence and respect for the sport. He also spent time coaching youth hockey and baseball, always willing to give his time to help others learn and grow. 

An avid outdoorsman, Graham enjoyed trapshooting, boating, camping, golfing, and hunting trips up north, as well as adventures to Montana and other western states with his son, Joe. These trips brought treasured memories and time spent doing what he loved with the people who meant the most to him. Graham also enjoyed bowling and remained active in two bowling leagues at the age of 88. 

Graham was a faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served on several church committees and generously gave of his time and talents. Above all, Graham will be remembered for the kind of man he was. He was trustworthy, faithful, hardworking, and genuinely interested in the people around him. With his friendly personality and easygoing nature, he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was the kind of neighbor who could be counted on, the kind of friend who was always willing to lend a hand, and the kind of father and husband who showed his love through his actions. Whether he was fixing a piece of equipment, teaching a young person something new, making music, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, Graham gave generously of himself. 

His was a life well lived, filled with purpose, laughter, music, and love. The lessons he taught, the friendships he made, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Graham is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marilyn Luck; his two children, Tonya (Richard) Lewis of Byron and Joseph (Tami) Luck of Rochester; four grandchildren, Charles "C.J." Luck, Michael "Mike" (Annalis) Luck, Nikki Mietzner, and Sophia Lewis; sister-in-law, Loretta Luck; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Henry and Lily Luck; and his seven siblings, Blanche Brock, Edna Peterson, Pamela Stehlik, Kenneth Luck, Maurice Luck, Godfrey Luck, and Bazil Luck.

 A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 Third Avenue SE, Rochester, Minnesota 55904. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery in Wasioja, Minnesota at a later date. No flowers are requested by the family.