Joseph "Joe" Grauwels

With his family by his side, Joseph Grauwels, age 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, 2025, at Ascension All Saints Medical Center. Joseph was born in Racine on May 13, 1945, son of the late Joseph and Anna (nee; Getritis) Grauwels.

Joe was a proud graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1963” and cherished the life-long friends he made there. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in German and Education at College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Following graduation, Joe returned to his alma mater, St. Catherine’s High School, where he taught German and English, for forty-one years to the delight of countless students. He chaperoned 16 trips to Germany affectionately known as “The German Trip”, before retiring in 2010. On March 18, 1972, Joe was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Holm, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Racine. They raised three children, Mindy, Joe and Katie and shared fifty-three beautiful years together. Joe was a longtime dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church serving on the Parish Council and as a lector. Joe also became an official Associate of the Dominican Order in 2014. In his spare time, Joe volunteered at the Hospitality Center at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church downtown, was a board member and volunteer at the HOPES Center and enjoyed cooking, reading, and working in his garden. A large man in stature, Joe will be remembered for his even bigger heart, always showing compassion and helping others in need, his ability to educate and connect with his students, and his dedication to service in the community. He was deeply committed to his recovery and found great purpose in his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous, where he mentored and supported many others on their journey, forming bonds that became like a second family to him. Above all, Joe will be best remembered for his deep love and devotion to his family.

Joe will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda; children, Mindy Gordon, Joe (Rose) Grauwels, and Katie (Pat) Johnson; grandchildren, Christoper Czarnecki (fiancé Lauren), Natalie Carbajal, Kyle and Katelyn Gordon, Anna and Lauren Johnson, Joseph Grauwels; sister, Joanne Ramaker; sisters-in-law, Judie Grauwels and Sherry Grauwels; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Joe was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and John and dear friend Paul C. Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, Monday, June 2, 2025, 11 am with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home 2-5 pm and Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church 10-10:45 am

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospitality Center (Racine) or HOPES Center have been suggested.