In Loving Memory of Carolyn Lee Grachek (Todd)
July 15, 1939 – July 2, 2025

With hearts overflowing with gratitude and reverence, we celebrate the radiant life and lasting legacy of Carolyn Lee Grachek (Todd). Born on July 15, 1939, and called home to her eternal rest on July 2, 2025, Carolyn was the cherished matriarch of the Grachek family—a woman defined by her steadfast faith, compassionate spirit, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her life was a living testament to the beauty of grace and the power of love to transform lives.

For 62 blessed years, Carolyn was a beloved wife to the late Wayne Grachek, Sr., and a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her nurturing heart embraced four children, ten grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Now, she rejoices in the presence of her Savior, reunited with her beloved husband, her parents, Fay and Eva (Andersen) Todd, her brother Doug Todd, and her nephew Steven Todd.

Carolyn's legacy is treasured by all who hold her memory close—her sister Shirley and brother-in-law John Cook of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her nephews Tracy and Susan Todd and Chad and Joni Todd of North Platte, Nebraska. The families of Joe and Dottie Grachek, Connie Grachek, Dorthy and Jodie Yelton, and Phyllis and Jim Stroshal also honor Carolyn's legacy of love. Across the nation, her extended family joins in celebration of the life she so beautifully lived.

Her faith continues to bloom in the lives of her children—Deborah, Wayne Jr., Dee, and Tim—each carries forward her enduring values of strength, compassion, and steadfast hope.

Deborah and Robert Trout, of Grand Island, Nebraska, are blessed with a warm and loving family. Their daughter Melissa and her husband, Russ Urbanac, reside in Wayne, Nebraska. Melissa's son Zach and his partner Delaney Schultz live in Omaha, while her daughter Madison makes her home in Norfolk. Deborah's son, Robert, and his wife, Meg Trout, also of Grand Island, are the proud parents of James. Their daughter, Christina, and her husband, Miles Margritz, live in Kearney, Nebraska, with their three children: Ellie, Wesley, and Eva.

Wayne Jr., who is engaged to Jean Kerger, lives in Omaha. His son James, wife Megan, and their children Atticus and Athena reside in Omaha. His son, Scott, and wife, Angie, live in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His daughter, Ali, and husband, Shaun Beasley of Omaha, with their three children: Kanton, Quinlan, and Essie.

Dee and Stacey Grachek, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, are parents to Meagan and her husband Luis Prieto, with children Oliver, Emma, and Eloise; to Ian and his wife Megan of Jacksonville, with children Noel and Joyeux; and Nick, also of Port St. Lucie.

Tim and Barb Grachek, of Omaha, Nebraska, share their lives with their daughter Hannah and her partner Wes Fisher.

Carolyn's love continues to flow across every branch of this ever-growing family tree—an enduring legacy grounded in humility, faith, and crowned with peace. Her life was the portrait of a devoted servant, and as we reflect on her journey, our hearts are lifted with the joy that can only come from knowing she is now safely home. "Her children rise and call her blessed… Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."— Proverbs 31:28-29

We hold her close in our hearts—forever inspired by the love she gave, her life, and the light she leaves behind.