Frank A. Grahek, son, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Born to Dudley Joseph Grahek and Carol Jean Grahek (nee Koronka) on January 12, 1966, Frank was the second of three children. A vocal proponent of the rights of middle children everywhere, Frank often said that he found himself in trouble for 100% of the shenanigans when he only committed 90%.

Frank made his presence known early in life through sports, music, and theater. A captain of both the football and wrestling teams at Mukwonago High School, he was also a member of the track team, key club, various bands, and numerous theater performances.

Frank maintained his interest in sports throughout his life and loudly supported all Wisconsin sports teams—especially the Packers and, of course, Wisconsin Wrestling.

Many know Frank’s generosity through his coaching. Whether it was volleyball, wrestling, football, or tee ball, Frank brought energy and vigor to every practice, game day, or tournament. In every role, he saw himself as coach for life, a duty that is never limited to one game.

In 1993, Frank married the love of his life, Karen (nee Wrolstad). If one were only to pass Frank on the sidewalk, it is likely that they too would hear of Frank’s deep love and commitment to his wife. Frequently, Frank expressed to others that the greatest joy of his life was marrying his wife, and his biggest regret was that he could not marry her again, and again, and again.

Likewise, Frank found extreme joy in supporting the lives of his children. Open to bragging, long stories, and repetition, one need only converse with Frank briefly to hear news of his children with enthusiastic elation.

Immensely grieving the loss of Frank, are his wife, Karen, children, Gabriel (Meghan), Abigail (John), and Grace, grandson, Noah, sister, Lisa (John), and loving mother, Carol Jean.

Frank is preceded in death by his father, Dudley, brother, Steven, and many other loved ones who welcome him to everlasting life.

Frank had a tremendous devotion to his faith. As a devout Catholic, he never missed Mass on Sunday and found peace, solace, and comfort, even to the end, in the presence of the Eucharist. Ever praying for the well-being of others, Frank believed that kindness begins with action, and one can move mountains one pebble at a time.

As many who know Frank can attest, he was often seen wearing all black so that he was “allowed to drop food on his shirt.” In contrast to his dark exterior, Frank painted his life with bold, vivid colors and broad brushstrokes.

He was electric. He had an unmatched zeal for life that could never be exhausted. In every thought and deed, Frank was intentional.

Frank was also warm and gentle. He could be calming, soothing, and reassuring, and his family found comfort in his guidance, his voice, and his smile.

A self proclaimed “consumer of knowledge,” Frank memorized the entire game of Trivial Pursuit, bested many an episode of Jeopardy, and never stopped learning. If you needed a mechanic to fix your car while quoting Shakespeare, Frank was your man.

ALL ARE WELCOME to join the family on Saturday, June 27, at Christ King Church, 2604 North Swan Blvd, Wauwatosa, WI, with Visitation from 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, which Frank was allergic to anyway, the family asks that you “Make the call!” to a loved one and to add Mass to your Sunday schedule.

Private inurnment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waukesha.