Obit: Graski, Leora A. (1938? – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Dudansky, Graski, Vang, Gehrmann, Hinker, Pagel, Johnson, Graf, Calcote, Wald, Akey

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 08 Apr 2010

Graski, Leora A. (1938? – 29 MAR 2020)

Leora Alice (Dudansky) Graski, 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen. A private graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 11, at Sylvan Cemetery, with Pastor Daniel Vang officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Pallbearers will be Shaun Graski, Tim Gehrmann, Randy Hinker, Derek Hinker, Jamie Hinker and Brooke Hinker.

Leora was the third-born daughter of Bill and Leora (nee Pagel) Dudansky and was born in Stanley. She grew up in Thorp, was raised on the family farm, and received her education in Thorp, graduating in 1956. Leora went on to complete one year of nursing school in Eau Claire. Over the years Leora held many positions: daycare provider, high school secretary, CNA, farmer, truck driver, tavern owner, hotel owner, occupational therapist assistant, and in-home health care provider, but her most important position was as a “loving and caring Mom.” Leora made sure that her children’s childhood memories would be fi lled. She took them on many camping trips, packing the family car up strategically with supplies, organizing where the six children would sit to eliminate chaos, and away they would go. These trips and many other adventures created by Leora have left her children with memories to last each of them a lifetime. In Leora’s spare time she enjoyed visiting with friends, playing cards, bingo, dice, music and especially traveling. Leora had the great opportunity to travel across the United States including Hawaii and visiting the Holy Lands. She enjoyed many theatre shows with friends. Leora was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was one of the founding members of the Ruth Circle. She was a very involved parishioner assisting with funerals or whatever duties were asked of her.

Leora is survived by her six children: Kit (Karen) Graski of Las Vegas, Nev., Shaun (Ruth) Graski of Amery, Kyle Johnson of Greenwood, Xanthe (Tim) Gehrmann of Marshall, Gina (Randy) Hinker of Greenwood, and Jay (Kelly) Graski of Las Vegas, Nev.; 12 grandchildren: Karli Graski of Reno, Nev., Kyle Graski of Van Nuys, Calif., Drew (Heather) Graski of Amery, Eric Graski of Amery, Laura (Cody) Graf of Roberts, Jesse Johnson of Granton, Lacy (Robert) Vallie of Fargo, N.D., Nicole (Tim) Akey of Marshall, Derek Hinker of Greenwood, Jamie (Erin) Hinker of Colby, Brooke Hinker of Greenwood, and Jaylyn Graski of Germantown, Md.; 10 great-grandchildren: Gabe Graski and Katelin Graski of Amery, Edynn Hinker, Archer Hinker, Cash Hinker and Lariah Hinker of Colby, Donald Graf, Alvin Graf and Randall Graf of Roberts, and Ethan Akey of Marshall; one sister, Geraldine Dudansky of Thorp; and nieces, nephews and very dear friends of many years.

Leora was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Florence Wald and Betty Calcote; a brother-in-law, Dutch Wald; a son-in-law, John Johnson; and a nephew, Jeff Wald.

Online condolences may be expressed at: www.cuddiefh.com. 

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.