I grew up on the south side of Milwaukee and moved to Mukwonago with my husband in 1968. My late husband, Mike, and I jumped right into village life by becoming involved in community volunteering. We chaperoned Mukwonago HS dances at what is now Park View Middle School, we organized & ran CAA Girl’s Softball for several years (the only sport available for girls in this area at the time), we were leaders in the Girl and Boy Scout groups, ran the very popular Sock Hops at St. James Parish and became very active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. I was also a founding member of the Friends of the Mukwonago Library.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I were grade school friends and high school sweethearts. We have 3 children, Joe (Sherryl) Graczyk, Mary (Jeff) Biever, Gary (Kate) Graczyk, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was employed at the Mukwonago Library for 30+ years in a variety of positions. Working at the library afforded me the opportunity to work with outstanding staff and patrons who I am proud to call friends.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fork in the Road (Vista Gardens way back when), Boneyard, Sol de Mexico and Blue Bay.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved here in 1968 when the population was about 2,200 and there were no stoplights. It was a quiet, mostly farming community. A great place to raise a family!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It is so hard to choose one. So many community-mined people who devoted their lives to the betterment of Mukwonago.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have been dreaming about going to Alaska since 5th grade. I did get that opportunity and would love to do it again.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies: Gone with the Wind, Secondhand Lions, Overborad. TV shows: Young Sheldon, This is Us and The Good Doctor.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“If you want to be rich, SAVE” per John McAdams
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To return to Alaska; I would live there if possible.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Classic Rock. I enjoy all types of music.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
McAdams ShopRite & Miller Pharmacy on the square.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Queen Elizabeth at our summer cottage on Phantom Lake. Our “Little Piece of Heaven” would be an ideal place for a chat.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have vacationed at Phantom Lake as a child and always wanted to live here. The lakes are our precious gems.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully living in the same house where we raised out family.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I hit a cow with my car on Hwy 83 one summer night before it was widened. It lived!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Alaska
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October, Christmas and 4th of July.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Family love
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids! I am so proud of their successes in life. They make me look good!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly mowed grass and lilacs.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Faith, Love and Happiness
