Brian Lawrence Graykowski

Brian L. (Graczykowski) Graykowski, age 57, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away unexpectedly with his brother by his side in the early morning hours of Friday, November 21, 2025 at his Portage County cabin, the result of an extreme cardiac event.

Brian was born on December 27, 1967 in Manitowoc to Shirley (Thiel) Graykowski and the late Joseph Graykowski. Following his graduation from Lincoln High School with the class of 1986, he enlisted with the United States Army where his real education began. After basic and AIT, he served with the 3rd Armored Division Garmisch, Germany; 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS; and the 32nd Infantry Division WI National Guard. The pinnacle of his military career occurred in 1990 – 1991 when the 1st Infantry Division participated in the events of Operation Desert Storm. His cited military honors include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. However, his most prized accolade was recognition by his Command Sergeant Major who bestowed an excellence award (brass coin) in the field during the initial days of Desert Storm and an informal acknowledgement on behalf of the Commanding General, Norman Schwarzkopf. Upon his return to WI, Brian "reupped" with the National Guard while also beginning studies at Mid-State Technical College and eventually NE WI Technical College receiving degrees from both institutions with distinction. He could have easily been an electrical engineer but chose not to because of ideological differences in regards to what is taught in the halls of higher education. After his technical training, Brian went on to employment with several firms, the last being Kohler Company where he worked for 26 years. His last position was as Powerhouse Supervisor.

Brian was beyond a handyman and was always there to help anyone that was in need. With his love of tractors, he completely disassembled and rebuilt two IH tractors (with a lot of Latin coming out of the garage!). His last big project was building and installing a cupola on top of the silo at his Sawyer County Farm. Around happy hour, he was known to bring out his vast record collection and play polkas. Brian loved his annual trek to Michigan to visit his buddy, Dave, and loved driving around Sawyer County in his 1975 Ford LTD with his neighbor and sidekick, Roy.

Survivors include Brian's mom, Shirley Graykowski, Manitowoc; four siblings, Laurie Heier, Joel Graykowski, Kim (Lynn) Graykowski, all of Manitowoc; and Scott (Jill) Graykowski, Woodbury, MN; nieces and nephews: Toby (Angie) Heier, and their daughter, Rachel; Tony (Seneca) Graykowski, and their children, Chase and Charlee; Rose (Jack) and Olivia; his two faithful K9 companions, Darcy and Pearl; along with many friends and other relatives. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Lawrence Graykowski; and niece, Holly Anna Heier; paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Esther Graykowski; and maternal grandparents, Arthur and Anna Rose Thiel.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Lisa Novachek will officiate with burial to take place at Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will immediately follow the funeral service at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and will be accorded by Drews Bleser American Legion Post 88. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The visitation will then continue on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Brian's name.

Brian's family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the first responders of Portage County Sheriff's Department for all of their efforts during a time of tremendous loss.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.