Michael Gryczko, Vice President
Remembering our Vice President
Michael Gryczko was Vice President of the Polka Booster Club of America for the year 2023 and was re-elected again in Mike was a devoted member for 14 years. He attended many dances and was always available and willing to help where needed. He loved leading us in the theme song as he had a wonderful voice. We were hopeful that 2024 was going to be another great year, but God had other plans.
Mike passed away on Dec 1, 2023, peacefully at his home. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the liver and stomach on Nov 22. We knew that the cancer had taken over his body, but we didn’t know that God would take him so soon. Mike started to feel ill after the IPA Festival of Bands and was in and out of the hospital over the course of the last few months. I will never forget his phone call on Nov 22. It was a solemn day for me as it was the 20th anniversary of my father’s passing, but I never expected the call from Mike. I knew he had his doctor’s appointment, but never did I think it would be that advanced. We cried on the phone together and he promised he’d keep me posted on the next steps.
I spoke with David the following week and we agreed that I’d see Mike on Thursday. When I got there, he was already in a deep sleep and was unresponsive. As I brushed back his hair, rubbed his cheeks, and his arm, I shared with him some of the best times we had together and all the laughs. I thanked him for being such a great friend and for saying yes to be the club’s Vice-President (really, I have David to thank for that HAHA!). I squeezed his hand a few times, but there was no squeeze back. He still had color in his face and his breathing wasn’t shallow. I thought he would still be with us for another week or so, as it seemed perhaps, he was waiting for somebody’s visit before he passed. Never did I fathom waking up to a phone call the next day from our dear friend, Simon, telling me that Mike had passed away earlier in the day.
I met Mike back in 2012, shortly after I moved back to Michigan. And the rest is history full of endless laughs, comradery, great memories, and a wonderful host of many parties. Mike had nicknamed me “Sister Mindi” because I taught first grade Catechism. One of my first (and favorite) memories is when we all went to the Milwaukee Polish Fest back in 2013. He caught a candid picture of me “out of my habit” sitting next to Simon with David laughing in the background. Such a great memory!
There was never a dull moment with Mike, and it was always full of laughs. He found a picture of a little girl and her younger brother. Mike labeled them as Sister Mindi & a younger Simon. At the IPA festival in 2014, a group of us was enjoying breakfast when Mike decided he wanted to take home this
freakishly large “urn”. Oh my gosh, I have never laughed so hard (up until that time, of course). The following years of numerous trips to festivals across the US were just filled with laughter and fun. From 7 Springs Fall & 4th of July festivals, to USPA, to IPA, to many trips to Chicago and Milwaukee, and Toledo, Frankenmuth, Sterling Heights, and all the festivals and polka dances in Michigan & Ohio.
It’s fitting that Mike’s last USPA festival, where he always had the corner bar stool in the lounge, was the last festival at that hotel. It would be hard walking into that lounge and not seeing him in that bar stool. I dread seeing that empty chair at upcoming dances and festivals, but I know he is with us. He was loved by so many.
Mike was elected as Vice-President for the 2024 year at our membership meeting in Nov or 2023. We will continue to honor Mike as our Posthumous Vice-President for the 2024 year.
– Mindi Tietz, President
Eternal rest grant upon him, Oh Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.
Mike Gryczko has taken on the role of Vice President and is ready to help Mindi keep the Boosters active for the upcoming year. We had a chance to visit with Mike and learn a little more about him. Please join me in welcoming Mike in his new role as Vice President of the Polka Boosters. We are sure he will do a great job. Welcome, Mike, and good luck! -Shirley Siwiec
Mike was introduced to polka music probably at five years of age. When asked about the music, Mike replied “Polkas were always being played in our house and I grew up in an era where 78 RPM’S were popular”. His favorites included Frank Wojnarowski, Ray Henry and Gene Wisniewski.
As the years went by, the polka industry changed, and many new bands were introduced which Mike likes as well. Mike has enjoyed polkas most his life and enjoys traveling near and far for different polka events. He was the treasurer for the Hamtramck Polka Boosters for 10 years and Mike is convinced “Polka music is in my blood”.