Group to hold fundraiser for retired teacher

By Patrick Lynn

When retired P.J. Jacobs Junior High teacher Dave Grabski became ill, Michelle Strasser-Goman knew she had to do something to help.

Grabski, 68, retired from the Stevens Point Area Public School District in 2016 as a well-liked science teacher who oversaw the P.J. Jacobs Jr. High School annual birthday celebration and fundraiser, which in recent years has brought in thousands of dollars to benefit the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Just after Thanksgiving last year, Grabski was diagnosed with stomach cancer, though he continues to do some substitute teaching in between medical treatments and traveling with his wife of 45 years, Jan.

It’s a journey Grabski has been sharing on his Facebook page, and he has spoken with several classes at SPASH about his experience.

Grabski said he has been scheduled for six cycles of chemotherapy.

Strasser-Goman, who also works in the district and is a friend of Grabski’s, said she and her daughter, SPASH student Hannah Goman, decided to help.

“He has been there for his students many times over and he would give the shirt off his back to give a student an opportunity,” Strasser-Goman said.

The two decided to organize a basket raffle fundraiser called “Grabski’s Gang”, playing on Grabski’s love of Harley Davidson motorcycles, to help offset his medical expenses.

Baskets include wireless earbuds, an official signed Green Bay Packers football, a signed basketball by the Marquette basketball team, a new bicycle, and other items donated by various members of the community.

Raffle tickets will be sold in the north commons of SPASH, 1201 North Point Dr., from 5:30-8:15 p.m. on Feb. 8 during the boy’s varsity basketball game.

Monetary donations can also be sent to:

Grabski’s Gang
c/o Central Wisconsin Credit Union
2201 Division Street
Stevens Point WI 54482

For more information, or to donate, contact Strasser-Goman at (715) 347-1976 or  [email protected].