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Alan Graykowski Obituary
Helotes. TX. - Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Alan Edmund Graykowski, 55, of Helotes, Tx, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2013. The funeral mass will be Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at 9 am. in the Main Post Chapel, 1605 Wilson Way 78234, at Fort Sam Houston, Tx. Alan was born February 19, 1958, in Ironwood MI., and was a member of L.L. Wright High School's class of 1976. Alan loved his hometown of Ironwood, but was proud to be called a Texan, as he loved the climate that afforded him his love of motorcycle riding. Alan entered the U.S. Army in 1977. He retired in 2007, as a Sergeant Major at Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Tx. with over 30 years of military service. SGM Graykowski's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Alan served his country with pride, integrity, and honor.
Alan held an Associates of Science Degree from Troy State University, a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. Upon retirement, Alan began a second career at Lackland Airforce Base as the Lead Asset Manager. Alan was preceded in death by his father, Edmund Graykowski and mother, Ethel Florence Graykowski. He is survived by his fiance Karen Bolton; daughter Aimee Graykowski; and dad to Karen's children, Taylor Buttelmann and Joanne Gallagher; sister, Cheryl Graykowski; granddaughter, Kailey Mason and all of Karen's family who loved and respected Alan for the man he was and the generosity he showed them. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House or any charity of your choice.
Alan wished to be cremated and one day taken for his last motorcycle ride to the hill country, where he and Karen enjoyed riding so much. Babe-save a place for me-your sweetie-Karen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Graykowski
John Graykoski
July 27, 2024
A great life but too short.
Amazing how I look at your pic and see your dad.
Renewed sympathy to your family.
Karen Bolton
August 30, 2013
Brett Harris
August 29, 2013
Your generous, radiant personality will be missed. You helped to bring love and joy to so many others. You are gone, but never forgotten.
Joanne Gallagher
August 29, 2013
You brought so much to my life, you are the one that showed me true love is unconditional. The way you loved me, my mom. I'll miss you everyday, your Irish accent, your laugh. The way you always cared so much. I love you dad.
Joie Gallagher
August 28, 2013
Dad,
I don't even know what to say or how to say it. I feel lucky to have had you in my life, my father, my best friend. Miss your funny accents and the way you laugh. The way you were always there, no matter when or where; don't worry I know you're always going to be there. So glad we fought over that beer you bought mom, it was worth you being angry at me. See how happy you made her, us? I hope one day to find what you two have, true lasting love. Love that overcame all, it will last the rest of her lifetime. Thank you for being the best I could ask for, I love you more than anything, anyone. You are my person.
Love always.
PVT Taylor Buttelmann
August 28, 2013
Even though you were my stepfather I thought of you as a father. You meant a great deal to me. Whenever I needed help you were always there for me no matter what. If it wasn't for you I don't know where I would be in life. You steered me on to the right path by helping me choose the ARMY and a bright future ahead. You changed my life more than you know and ill proudly serve the military in your Honor and for mine!
Luis Mercado
August 22, 2013
To SGM Graykowski Family: my heart goes out to you during this difficult loss. I will be praying in Church this Sunday. I knew him from all the training conducted at Camp Bullis. Great Leader and Mentor....
David Carter
August 14, 2013
Al, We had an off-site today at the park to take care of some training needs. Sure missed you there, brother. It is just not the same. Seems like yesterday when we did this, and you enjoyed the jalapeno poppers so much. I made them today. I hope you can see what we do and know that you are missed. Time for a cold one, brother. Those were good time.
Dave
Claire Harris
August 13, 2013
Uncle Alan, You will be greatly missed. I wish we would have had more time together. Even though you have left this earth, you will always be a part of our family. Love, Claire
August 12, 2013
To my beautiful Alan,
You are my soulmate and will continue to be my lifelong companion that lives within my heart. Love lives on -nothing beautiful is ever forgotten. I love you immensely. Save a place for me babe-Your Sweetie Karen
1SG Michael Williamson
August 6, 2013
To the family of SGM Graykowski I offer my heart felt sorrow for your loss. SGM was my instructor back when I went to AIT. He was one of the reasons I graduated and stayed in the Army. He later served as my regional SGM. He was a great leader and mentor. Again, as we all know, he will be missed! Gods speed to his family!
Scott Graykowski
August 6, 2013
I am shocked to learn of Alan's passing; my condolences to Alan's "Texas family" and US Army associates.
Marti Harris
August 4, 2013
Alan, I would like to thank you for the kindness and generosity you showed our family. You treated our parents as though they were your own. Always concerned with their well being and trying to find little ways to improve their everyday lives. Most of all, I would like to say thank you for loving my sister and for being her true soul mate. You have left us too soon and will be greatly missed. Love you, Marti
John Graykoski
August 4, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Alan's family and friends. He left this world much too early. But he also left a great legacy in his service to country.
Lynn Erickson
August 4, 2013
Alan was my cousin so I played with him as a child, talked and visited with him as an adult. I had just talked to him the week before so I had a hard time accepting his loss. We will all miss him.
My husband Eugene and son's Michael and Chris will also miss him. He use to visit with his daughter Aimee when he was stationed at Fort Lewis.
My mother Carol, sister Lori and Niece Suzanne will miss him also. They do not access to a computer to write in this guest book, so I thought I should put it in for them.
SGM Tim Williams
August 2, 2013
I worked with Alan for many years and considered him a close and trusted colleague. My condolences to him and his family. He will be missed. RIP Alan.
H Quigs
August 2, 2013
I'm thankful to have met Alan. He always had words of encouragement or a swift kick in the tail when I needed it. I won't forget him.
August 2, 2013
I'm thankful to have met Alan. He was a great mentor and friend. I will never forget his words of encouragement and the occasional kick in the tail when I needed it.
Joaquin Meris
August 2, 2013
I was shocked to learn about Alan's passing. We served together at AMEDDC & S, Department of Dental Sciences as Instructors and also at Judson HS.
My condolences to the family, RIP my friend - HOOAH!
Christie Kaden
August 1, 2013
You're time has already come and I don't know why. The last time I had seen you, you were doing just fine it seems like just yesterday I was laughing with you! I'm gonna miss our early morning chats, & the strong smells of your cigar. You will always have a special place in my heart RIP my dear friend.
Bo
August 1, 2013
Alan, your service record was above and beyond most of our armed forces. Only about 1% achieve the rank of SGM as you did. Coupled with your over three decades of service to our country is really quite amazing. I stand and salute your service and devout Patriotism. Few are willing to give that much for that long. Hopefully there's a line of bikes up there waiting for you to ride and side bag full of good cigars.
Gone too soon and much too young - see ya on the other side my friend.
Robin Carr
August 1, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. SGM Grakowski was such a nice person. Everyone time that I saw him, he had a smile on his face that could light up a room. I will miss that smile. This world has lost one of its brightest stars.
Respectfully,
Robin Carr
Phil and Mo
July 31, 2013
Alan, we will miss swapping stories about fast cars and bikes, we will miss the great advice from your gifted green thumb, and we will miss your unfathomable hospitality at family gatherings. We are so grateful for the time that we, and Karen, and the rest of our family had with you. Our brother, you will be missed and remembered always.
July 31, 2013
Gosh, I still can't believe your gone! My heart aches, as you were a pillar to the basement at WHMC. I always looked forward to coming to your office, because I knew we were gonna pick up where we left off. I will miss you dearly, as will the staff at Asset Management. Not only were you a co-worker, YOU WERE MY FRIEND!!! I will miss our chats and seeing you in the hallway, and the way you blinked your eyes. I'm saddened by your "sudden" departure, but know you left this earth doing what you love best...I will never forget you, and maybe we will have that "beer" in heaven when I see you again. Will Miss you dearly my friend.
Connie Owens Wilson
July 31, 2013
Alan,
You were an important part of our family. You were a man of integrity and it showed. Thank you for the wonderful years you gave my sister. They were the happiest of her life. We are all very saddened and we will all miss you greatly. You will be remembered with love and appreciation.
-Janet Beitel and family
Dee and Bo Bolton
July 31, 2013
For the past seven years, Alan has been a part of our family and we are grateful for the relationship we enjoyed. It brought all of us joy to see the happiness and companionship he and our daughter, Karen shared.
His caring thoughtfulness will remain with us. His love of roses will be among many other fond memories we will treasure.
We are deeply saddened by Alan's early departure and he is truly missed.
Crystal Kinscy
July 31, 2013
Alan, you were AMAZING at your job. You were so awesome at helping me with my jacked up account. You knew when I was having a hectic day & needed you to help me, without me even asking. I still half expect to see you at your desk whenever I come to the office.
You have to live life to the fullest and I believe you did that. I appreciate everything you've done for me & I'm gonna miss you having my back at work.
No goodbyes, but hellos when we all meet up in heaven.
Joe Trevino
July 31, 2013
Alan,
you will be missed my friend. I have known you for some time. My prayers go out to your family and friends. boy you took this furlough thing just a lil bit too far. The idea was we are all supposed to come back. Take care my friend
Jim Bolton
July 30, 2013
Unfortunately, I never told Alan how much I appreciated the way in which he loved my sister. The last time I saw them together was mere weeks before his passing, and I truly witnessed Karen's happiness. Alan loved her for who she is, and it showed in the depth of their relationship. I am sincerely thankful that Karen got to experience an unconditional love, and am thankful Alan was a part of our family. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Cheryl & Ray Weisman
July 30, 2013
Alan, I know we only met a couple of times over the years for various Bolton family functions, but was ecstatic that you and Karen had found each other at a point in her life when she really needed someone as special as you. We will all miss you dearly, most of all, Karen and the rest of her family. It seems that I never knew all of your incredible accomplishments in your short life, and can only imagine what you had in store for your future. You were a good man. Heaven must have needed another angel is the only thing I can figure out so that this makes some kind of sense. I know we will see you again, on the highway in the sky. Cheryl & Ray Weisma
David Carter
July 30, 2013
Al, We have been friends for the past 5 years or so. Not only were you one of my crew, you were also a friend and brother. We served in different services, but we served for the common goal, and I honor you for your service, for your friendship, and for being my brother. We had fun in our travels, and we shared some good times around the shop, and we broke bread together as family. We butted heads, and we had some different values, but we always bounced back as friends and brothers, and that is what life is all about. Just know that I am doing what I promised you I would do for as long as needed. I will miss you old friend and brother, and I proudly salute you. I will never ever forget you. Vaya con dios, hermano.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
July 30, 2013
Dear Graykowski Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
Although I did not have the honor and pleasure of knowing him, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Willie Cruz, SGM (R) Cruz
July 30, 2013
I met Alan in Hawaii a few years back and although we never traveled in the same circles, I heard some wonderful things regarding Alan as a soldier and a a family man. In loving memory of a wonderful person. Rest in Peace soldier!
July 30, 2013
Al,
We'll miss you at the family gatherings... no more broken glasses or unfunished cigars.... Brother Oscar and family
Jack Dingman
July 30, 2013
Alan,
God bless my friend.
Jack Dingman
Joseph Meyer
July 30, 2013
The family have my deepest sympathy. I have known Alan from San Antonio and his family he is a very great dad husband and friend. He will be greatly missed by all. He was also a Sir Knight in the fourth degree Knights of Columbus. Have not seen you in a long time Aimee but know that he always loved you. God Bless.
Stephanie Menefee
July 30, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the family for your loss. SGM G was truly a great Soldier, worked along side him at Camp Bullis
CSM(Ret) Stephanie Menefee
Aimee Graykowski
July 30, 2013
Im so proud of you daddy! I love you so much and so does Kailey! This is a great loss to so many people but your legacy will carry on and you are in a restful place you so much deserve. Thank you for being a great father to me and I know you were proud to be a grandpa! Never forget.... A fallen soldier may you forever rest in peace. love always your daughter
Aimee
Rodney Brandt
July 30, 2013
As a fellow Soldier who served with Alan while assigned to the Department of Dental Science, Academy of Health Sciences at Ft. Sam...my friend you will be missed. Your voice and professional style narrating military graduations was the standard.
July 30, 2013
This news sadden me very much. Alan and I served in Hawaii and then finally here at FSH. Alan was persistent and very focused as a SGM. I liked him very much. I am sorry to see him go so soon in his young life. I pray God will bless his family and all things to come.
CSM(R) James Aplin
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