E. John Graichen

Biography Page 

My Early Years

I was born in Fremont, Michigan, the second of two sons of Roy and LaVange Graichen. My older brother's name is Robert.
At the age of eight I began drumming, which played an important role in my early life, as I was very active in junior high, high school and college bands and orchestras as a percussionist. In the summer of 1958 I attended Interlochen National Music Camp. Also I participated in all levels of scouting and attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1957.

My Education

I attended Fremont public schools and received my diploma from Fremont High School in 1959. In 1963, I graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, and in 1965 I received a Bachelor of Science degree in urban planning from Michigan State University. I earned a Master of Arts degree in planning and public administration from Pepperdine University in 1976.

My Military Service

In 1966 I received a direct commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. Following two months of  intensive training at the U.S. Army Medical Service School in San Antonio, Texas, I served three years as adjutant of the U.S. Army General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. While in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel throughout 17 countries. I was honorably discharged as a captain in 1969.

My Career

I began my employment career in 1965, when I was hired as planning aide for the City of Anaheim, California. Following my military service, I returned to the City of Anaheim in 1969 as assistant planner. In 1971 I was hired by the City of Garden Grove as urban economist. I continued my career at Garden Grove where I served, sequentially, as senior urban planner, community development manager, general manager - redevelopment, and general manager - economic development. In 1986, as a resullt of the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), I retired from my full-time job and began working part time as zoning administrator for the City of Garden Grove.

My Activities

In the early 1970's I became interested in soaring (flying glider planes) and earned my license in 1972. I also did extensive traveling in the 1970's, touring 20 countries. In 1980 I joined the Garden Grove Lions Club, where I served as attendance chairman for several years. In 1989 I was elected Club Secretary, which position I held until 1993. I also participated in many Lions district-wide functions.

My Disability

I experienced my first symptoms of MS in 1977, when I was 36 years old. I was able to continue most of my professional and social activities for the first seven years. However, in 1984, I experienced a significant exacerbation of my symptoms, so I had to take a disability retirement in 1986. See my MS Page.

My Hobby

I first became interested in genealogy as a hobby in 1980 and began to research my ancestry at that time.For several years I conducted census research for myself and others in the U.S. Federal Census at the National Archives in Laguna Niguel, California. I have also spent many hours pursuing genealogical information in various libraries and family history centers in Southern California and at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit my Genealogy Page.

My Family

I was married for the first time in 1990. My wife Aleida was born and raised in the Philippines. In 1980 she, along with her father, mother, four sisters and one brother, came to the U.S. where they all became citizens. Aleida has worked as a nurse, but presently has only me as her patient!  We live in Santa Ana, California.

My Companion

In March of 1996, after many months of waiting, I was selected to attend a training class in preparation to receive a specially bred and trained assistance service dog from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). For three weeks, I participated in an intensive training course at CCI in Oceanside, California. Upon graduation, I came home with a beautiful and talented golden retriever named Abbott. He is a wonderful companion and faithful assistant to me. Say "hello" to Abbott.

Send e-mail to ejg@ejohn.net

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