Shirley Graczyk

Graczyk, Shirley Therese (Heille) age 94 of Hopkins, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Survived by her children Carol, Noel (Wendie), and Philip; grandsons Joel (Mary Grace), Evan (Kelsey), and Wyatt; great-grandsons Jackson, Matthew, and Walker; brother Christopher (Denise) and sister-in-law Rosemary Heille; many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. Was lovingly considered “Grandma” by many. 
 

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 22 years, Arthur Frank Graczyk; parents Joseph and Ledwina (Kraemer) Heille; sister Rita (John) Maginnis, brothers Nick and Bernie Heille. 

Shirley spent her earliest years in Southeast Minneapolis and grew up in the Northeast part of the city. Early in her marriage, Shirley lived in New York and Ohio. She and Art returned to Columbia Heights, MN, to raise their family, and she lived there the majority of her life. Shirley moved to The Glenn in Hopkins in 2017. 

Shirley graduated from Edison High School, obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota, and completed her master’s degree at the University of Saint Thomas. She spent her entire career teaching accounting at North Hennepin Community College. 

A dedicated volunteer, Shirley spent her retirement caring for others at Catholic Eldercare, Crest View Senior Community, St. Francis Cabrini, and more. She and her husband spent their early years as part of a Workers of Mary group. Shirley was a passionate supporter of local and regional theater, rarely missing a performance at the Guthrie Theater. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to North Hennepin Community College Foundation, Guthrie Theater, or Church of St. Francis Cabrini.

Arrangements through Billman-Hunt Funeral Chapel. Visitation and rosary on Thursday, October 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 1500 Franklin Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN on Friday, October 11 at 11:00 AM, with visitation at the church 90 minutes prior. Interment to follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Luncheon to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Graczyk, please visit our floral store.