Arthur "Art" Grachek

Arthur “Art” Grachek passed away on November 2, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 13 at Christ Church Newman Center, St. Cloud. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Christ Church Newman Center. Private inurnment at Assumption Cemetery, St. Cloud. Arrangements provided by Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud. Art was born October 4, 1940, in Gilman, MN to Stephen and Alvina (Cielinski) Grachek. A 1958 graduate of Foley High School, Art earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Cloud State University (SCSU), and a Ph.D. degree from Wayne State University, MI in 1974. Art was a professor of speech communication at St. Cloud State University for 32 years retiring in 2003.

Art married Barbara Ann Svela on June 6, 1964, in St. Cloud. Two daughters were born to this union. Art is survived by his wife Barbara; daughters Sara Ann (Jim Mihalek), Rockville, and Rebecca Ann Grachek Theis, Blaine and John Theis, Blaine; grandchildren Benjamin “Ben” Theis (fiancé Madisen Tuhy) and Anna “Ryn” Theis; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Joseph and Sophie (Swendra) Graczyk, and Francis and Catherine (Micholichek) Cielinski; brothers and sister, Severin “Sev” (Eleanor); Leona “Lil” (Sebastian) Spiczka; Henry “Hank” (Genevieve); Chester; and nephew Dean Grachek.

During his tenure at SCSU, Art taught courses in communication studies, served as department chairperson, faculty athletics representative, president of the faculty association, and directed international studies programs in England and Poland.

Art enjoyed golfing, fishing, genealogy, attending music and theater events, and SCSU Huskies hockey and basketball. Art and Barb were supportive of charitable causes, particularly programs for mental health and wellness. After retirement, Art volunteered at Clara’s House, CentraCare, Catholic Charities, and with Kiwanis service activities. Most important to Art were his family, his “Newman” faith community, relatives, and many wonderful friends including his coffee colleagues, the WMOF. Art took pride in his Polish heritage.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Catholic Charites of the Diocese of St. Cloud, CentraCare Foundation, Quiet Oaks Hospice House, or to a program for those in need of food and shelter.

Service will be livestreamed at www.scsucatholic.org.