Rudolph F. "Rudy" Grahek

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Rudolph F. “Rudy” Grahek, lovingly known as Dynamite the Clown, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Rudy was born on September 20, 1932, in Cadillac, Michigan to Rudolph and Frances Grahek. He attended St. Ann’s School and could still recite the Latin responses he learned as an altar boy until his last days. The week following his graduation from Cadillac High School, Rudy was drafted and on the bus to Army basic training. He bravely fought in the Korean War from 1952-1954, including the historic Battle of Pork Chop Hill in 1953. After his service concluded, Rudy enrolled at Ferris Institute (now Ferris State University) where he became a member of Tau Kappa Alpha fraternity and Sigma Phi Epsilon. It was around this time that he embarked on his clowning journey. He had no idea just ho w many lives he would touch throughout his career spanning nearly six decades. Making people laugh brought Rudy joy and he never missed an opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face. Over the years, Dynamite made appearances at countless events across Michigan, including circuses, carnivals, fairs, parades, and parties, and also hosted the Fox 33 Kids Club Show on Saturday mornings. One of his favorite pastimes was playing with the Scottville Clown Band where he shared his love of music and comedy with people all across the state. He deeply valued community traditions, serving for several years on the Northern District Fair Board, including many as president. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 73 years, Rudy was also dedicated to preserving local history. He worked tirelessly to save the Octagon building at the Wexford County fairgrounds and was pleased to see it relocated to Veteran’s Park, where it will soon be reconstructed. Rudy cherished the lifelong friendships he made and loved gathering to reminisce about the good old days. To many he was Dynamite the Clown, but to his family he was a brother, dad, uncle, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Rudy will be lovingly remembered by his children, Elizabeth (George) Hamameh and Colonel (ret.) Jeffrey (Susan) Dukavas; grandchildren, Kristin (Charlie) Schroeder; Dayna (Brandon) Bertges; Richard Hamameh; Michael Jr (Alison), Hans (Jamie), and Sean (Maybeth) Grahek; Allison, Madison, and Jacob Dukavas; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Judy) Grahek, Mary (John) Zakrajsek; and three nieces and two nephews. Rudy is preceded in death by son, Michael (Teressa) Grahek, and brother, Michael (Jean) Grahek. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Friday, March 28, 2025 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Reverend Fr. Michael Janowski as celebrant. Friends may meet the family Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac. His final resting place will be Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to the Reed City VFW #2964, located at 129 E Osceola St, Reed City, Michigan 49677; St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org; or your charity of choice. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Rudolph F. "Rudy" Grahek

September 20, 1932 - March 2, 2025