Dennis "Farmer" Grahn, age 65 of Markesan, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023.

A memorial gathering for Farmer will take place on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A memorial gathering will also take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 65 W. Catherine St., Markesan, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

Following the service, a fellowship lunch will be served at the Grand River Fire Department Station in Markesan. Following the lunch, at approximately 2:00 p.m., an observance of his Fire Department Service and Final Call will take place.

Dennis "Farmer" Grahn was born in Ripon, WI on June 14, 1957 to Alden and Beatrice (Mildebrandt) Grahn.  He was baptized on July 7, 1957 and confirmed on May 30th, 1971 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Markesan where he was a lifelong member and served in many capacities over the years including playing on the dartball team. He was an avid bowler and played softball being a part of many championships with the Double "D" Bar team.

Farmer was educated in the Markesan School District and graduated from Markesan High School in 1975.  He was a lifelong farmer, working on the family farm and acreage he purchased over the years.  After high school, Farmer began his own trucking company, Dennis Grahn Enterprises, and was involved in trucking his entire life.  He hauled for numerous canning factories and the Grand River Co-Op with the assistance of his "green bean girls", Pam Roeder and Benita Graydon. His trucking business, Dennis Grahn Enterprises, sponsored many bowling, softball, and volleyball teams in the area. He plowed snow for various townships for over 20 years.

Farmer had a love and passion for the Markesan community and shared that with his heart, skills, know-how, and "Farmer charm."  He was a proud and dedicated member of the Grand River Fire Department since 1987 where he achieved the rank of Captain. He also served the Markesan School District as a School Board member for over 42 years.  He was very instrumental in the June Dairy Days Festivities and Annual Corn Roast.  No one will be able to forget that Farmer ended up being Buck's "Girl" in the annual Kiwanis Show each year.  Now if that isn't love, what is?!?  If Farmer was not available by phone, he could be found at  Bumper-to-Bumper or Sandy's Diner where he was a regular and founding member of the 'Table of Knowledge.'

Uncle Farmer enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, attending all of their sporting activities and family get-togethers.  They looked forward to his annual Christmas gift of Kit Kats and cash.

Farmer is preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Beatrice Grahn, grandparents, Elmer and Anna Grahn, and Otto and Anna Mildebrandt.

Farmer is survived by his brothers Rick "Winder" (Melanie) Grahn of Markesan and Gale (Renae) Grahn of Plymouth.  Nieces and nephews, CJ Grahn, Kiah (Mitch Sommers) Grahn, Logan Grahn, Lindsey (Taylor) Rafool, Danielle Grahn, Alex (Elle) Grahn, and great nieces and nephews, Ryker, RaeAnn, Lincoln, Riley, Cooper, Colton, Harrison, and Hudson.  He is further survived by other cousins, relatives, and friends.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.