Anthony Gracyalny

Tony Gracyalny (Dad), surrounded by his family, was sung into Paradise, along with the choir of angels, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Beloit Senior Living in Beloit, WI. Dad was born on June 10, 1928, in Eland, WI, to Andrew and Margaret (Sprangers) Gracyalny. The youngest of 5 children, he and his siblings learned the value of faithfulness, hard work, and dedication to family on the family farm. After completing 10th grade, he left school to work full-time with his dad on the farm.In 1947, Dad climbed the steps to the church balcony for choir practice, saw a beautiful young woman playing the organ and said to himself, "Theres the woman Im going to marry." Two years later, on September 10, 1949, he married the love of his life and forever partner, Noreen Heinrich.Together, they instilled their foundational values of faith, family, and integrity in their 9 children, including: Jeff (Liz) Gracyalny of Grayville, IL, their 4 children, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren; Brian (Jenny) Gracyalny of Spokane, WA; Clark (Sherry) Gracyalny of Brodhead, WI, their 3 children and 5 grandchildren; Randy Gracyalny of Beloit, WI, and his 6 children and 10 grandchildren; Drew Gracyalny of Beloit, WI, and his 5 children and 2 grandchildren; Greg (Mary) Gracyalny of Venice, FL, and their 2 children and 4 grandchildren; Aaron (Julie) Gracyalny of Rockton, IL; LuAnn (Joe) Lodl of Black Earth, WI; and Elise (Jim) Bergman of Beloit, WI, and their 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Dad is also survived by his sister-in-law, Eunice (Norton) Obrecht; many nieces and nephews; and his "adopted" children, Joseph and Jean Kriz.In addition to his parents, Dad is joined in the heavenly choir by his wife, Noreen; daughter, Mary Alice, who died at birth; daughter-in-law, Linda (Spoon) Gracyalny; all his heavenly grandbabies; brothers, Amby and Al; sisters, Gladys and Marce; brothers- and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.Never afraid to try new things, Dad put new grazing practices into use with their cows, increasing production and being named Grassland Young Farmer of the Year in 1953.Dad had an innate ability to innovate, inspire, and motivate, which led him to Midland Cooperative, where he rose from LP sales and delivery to management in Tigerton, WI, before moving to manage the co-ops in Greenwood, Fond du Lac, and finally Clinton. In all locations, he increased sales and provided superior customer service. While with Midland, he earned numerous awards and trips and was able to travel to a number of states and countries with Mom for these awards. He was known for his honesty and sense of humor, with customers making special trips to the office saying, "Tony, did you hear the one about" While in Clinton, he opened and managed Clinton Appliance, where he also helped with sales, delivery, installation, and the occasional repair.He (dad) believed so strongly in cooperatives that he joined Worldwide Coop Partners to teach people in other countries how to start and run cooperatives and hosted many people over the years.In 1980, Dad left the Clinton Co-op and purchased, in partnership with his son, Clark, Juda Lumber and Feed. They expanded to Town and Country Supply in Brodhead in 1984. He "retired" in 1987 but continued his relationship with the farmers he spent his entire life supporting as the regional sales representative for Custom Farm Seeds in Wisconsin and Illinois, retiring in 1999. In retirement, Dad and Mom enjoyed many summers at the cabin in Eagle River, becoming a favorite destination for kids and grandkids. He was a master panfish catcher with his cane pole, providing many a fish fry!Dad was also committed to his church and community. At Our Lady of the Assumption, he served on the Parish Council, helped with fish frys, hospitality ministry, and sang in the Resurrection Choir. He served on the Clinton Community School District School Board, Clinton Kiwanis, and mentored FFA students.The family would like to thank Beloit Senior Living for their compassionate care of Dad (and Mom), especially Matthew.Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit. Visitation will take place before the Mass, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, a memorial be given to the Clinton Education Foundation for agricultural scholarships to continue the innovation and encouragement of young farmers. Checks can be made out to the "Clinton Education Foundation" and mailed to PO Box 84 Clinton, WI 53525, left with the funeral home or given to the family.Tony, did you hear the one about the couple traveling into Wisconsin from Illinois, arguing about how to pronounce the name of an upcoming town, Oconomowoc? They arrived in town and stopped for lunch at a fast-food restaurant. They went up to the counter and said to the young worker, "Before we order, we need you to settle an argument for us. Could you pronounce, very slowly, the name of the place where we are eating?" The clerk leaned forward and slowly said, so they could both hear clearly, "BURRRR-GERRRRR KING!" Visitation Tuesday, June 17, 2025 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church 2222 Shopiere Road Beloit WI US Service Tuesday, June 17, 2025 11:00 AM - Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church 2222 Shopiere Road Beloit WI US Funeral Home Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium 2355 Cranston Road Beloit WI - 53511 US (608) 362-3444 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anthony Gracyalny, please visit our Tree Store.