9&10 News is sharing local stories of veteran Rudy Grahek, best known as performer Dynamite the Clown from fans of his around Northern Michigan.
Rudy Grahek served as a C-47 pilot during the Korean War before spending the next nearly 70 years serving Northern Michigan communities as Dynamite the Clown.
Memories from his fans spanning decades:
“Growing up my whole life in Big Rapids, my memories of Dynamite the Clown are still so incredibly vivid. He was really good friends with my dad, and my mom would have him over for supper every now and then. He’d always ask my mom, ‘How should I dress?’ Mom always told him, whatever you want to wear, Rudy. You’re funny in costume, but you’re also funny just as Rudy Grayheck. One time he did come in costume, but that’s because he was coming from the hospital, where he spent some time with the kids. Rest in Peace, Rudy. They are going to love you up there.” — Beth Carroll of Big Rapids
“I saw him at the Manton Harvest Festival, not in costume, sitting and talking with another person, and I waited for a moment until they noticed. I walked up and introduced myself and asked, “Are you Dynamite the Clown?” He asked me, " Do I owe you any money?” I told him “No. Just wanted to say that I appreciated all the laughs every year when you were in the parade.” He pulled out a red ball and put it on his nose and said, “I am Dynamite the Clown”. I then told him a story on how, when I was younger, I wasn’t too sure on clowns, but he was the first that made me realize, clowns were there to make kids not afraid. To make them happy and laugh. To make folks laugh even when having a bad day. He was a Hero to many and a friend to a lot more. He will be missed for sure.” — Isaac Cotton of Cadillac
“I was scared of clowns when I was little. I think I was in first grade when I went to a parade that he was in. He made it so memorable and gave me a picture of himself to remember the parade and the fun. I still have it 20 years later.” — Teyonna Jamroz
“When I was young, I believe around 9, my parents hired him for my birthday party. For context, I am 48 now. I grew up very poor and was completely shocked that my parents could afford it. I have this sneaky suspicion that he most likely listened to my mom tell him how much I liked him, and my guess is he did it out of the kindness of his heart, free of charge. Anyway, he was SO KIND and made balloon animals for me and all my friends who came. I had a pretty rough childhood, but for one day, I was on top of the world. Thank you Dynamite. He is a kind soul.” — Kurt Bowman of Traverse City
“My grandma, Joan (Grice) Wilkins, went to school with Rudy. Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, it didn’t matter what parade we were at—Manton, Cadillac, etc.— Dynamite would ALWAYS find her in the crowd and say ‘Hey, there’s little Joanie Grice.’ She would get so flushed and embarrassed, and us kids just thought it was the funniest dang thing every time! Those are core memories.” — Jordan Miller of Ludington
“Throughout Northern Michigan for many decades, Dynamite the Clown warmed his way into our hearts with an endless supply of corn ball style jokes and antics. The suitcase with a mirror inside angled towards parade goers saying, ‘Best looking crowd’ in whatever town he was in. The tall pole with the tiny umbrella at the top, in case of a little rain. He will be missed. Gone but not forgotten.” — Shianne Couch
“I have known Dynamite the clown since I was 5 years old. The picture in the top left was when I was 35, the picture on the top right was when I was 5 and the bottom picture was the last time I saw him about a year ago. Rudy always had a way of bringing out the kid in you. The first thing he said was ‘Hey kiddo, I got something for you’ and he reached in his pocket and he pulled his red nose out. Rudy also did my older brother’s birthday 5th and my brother is now 46. Rest in peace, my friend. My mom always served coffee to him at Big Boy. My dad worked at Gambles and would see him as well.” — Christine Engels
“I remember being at a local grocery store, approximately 30 to 35 years ago, and hearing his voice behind me, as he was shopping and talking to someone. I grew up seeing Dynamite the Clown in local parades. When I heard his voice, I didn’t know whether I should turn around and take a peek, at the man, which I learned later was a wonderful man named Rudy. Did I want to “spoil” my childhood and young adult memory of him? What did I do? I turned around and took a tiny little peek. That’s it. Such a fun memory that I will never forget. It was so much fun seeing my boys enjoy Dynamite The Clown at local parades just like I did as a child and as an adult.” — LaDeanna Smalley
“I grew up in Reed City and we lived a few miles down the road from where he lived. We’d occasionally join him for lunch at the restaurant in town that used to be open (not sure the name, it wasn’t open very long.) Whenever we’d see him at Vic’s store, I was always sure to run up and say hi to him and as a kid I always knew which vehicle was his I’d tell my mom, ‘There goes Dynamite.’ He will be missed dearly.” — Mo Kaminski of Sand Lake
“I remember Dynamite the Clown. In Traverse City at the old Cherryland Mall, he hosted the Fox Kids Club show, and I was one of the participants on the show. He did the GRAND PRIZE GAME like Chicago’s Bozo the clown. He was very kind, loving and always made you laugh. If I remember correctly, I won a brand new bike and a $500 shopping spree for the Cherryland Mall. R.I.P Dynamite, Northern Michigan has lost a great friend and an icon.” — Jon Rogers of Mancelona
“Too many to tell honestly. I took care of his oil furnace for over a decade, and he and I would talk for hours. I remember the time I walked into McDonald’s in Reed City one morning and spotted Rudy. Before I could even say ‘Hi,’ he stood up and addressed the entire restaurant loudly, telling everyone “This is Charlie, my furnace guy. The best oil furnace man for 100 miles.’ A few people even clapped. I just stood there in embarrassment, but at the same time, pride. That is just one of many stories. The rest I will keep in my memories forever. I’ll never pass his house again without thinking of those memories. Rudy “Dynamite” was a local Icon and treasure.” — Charlie Roark of Mecosta County
“I remember years ago my parents bought a Volkswagen bus from him (he worked at a dealership). I thought it was so cool that we knew a clown. When I worked at Ferris, I got to work with him every year at the Homecoming Parade. He was in that parade for more years than I’ve been on this earth (I am 64). Great, great guy. I will truly miss him.” — Teresa Fogel of Mecosta County
“Luther Elementary school carnival— he was always by the gym entrance and made the BEST balloon dogs and hats. Definitely made the night fun for all ages. Crazy how many people’s lives he was a part of. I hope he realized this when he was alive.” — Chelsea Sykes of Mecosta County
“When I was little, we went to the old Cadillac Walmart, and he would be there giving out the smile stickers to the kids. He and my grandma were great friends too and seeing him in the Evart 4th of July parade always made my day.” — Shiloh Jennings of Cadillac
“He came to Altercare nursing home in Big Rapids and performed for the residents. They had a great time with him. Lois Steig and I also had fun with him.” — Linda Daniels of Mecosta County
“He was always a lot of fun to see every year at the St Ignace car show parade growing up!!” — Melissa Spellman
“I knew Rudy for 30 years. One of the most amazing people I have ever known. His stories always intrigued me and brought many laughs. He will be missed.” — Ron Roth
“I filmed a commercial with Dynamite for Ben Franklin when I was a kid. That’s my claim to fame.” — Sara Mulder
“I volunteered work at the round building when it was still at the fairgrounds. He came in, very welcoming, funny. Not in costume, just a good, funny man.” — LaDenia Lemmon
“He used to come have coffee with my grandpa Frank Koepnick every morning when us kids were little.” — Myriah Jo Reichow of Farwell
“I remember as a kid going to visit my aunt’s in Cadillac, and this was before the freeway. Going by his house. It was a landmark for us.” — Donald Barnum of Big Rapids
“Dynamite the clown at the Kingsley School band carnivals making balloon animals and hats for only two tickets. Man, what a great time he gave.” — Morgan Anne Dodson
“The happiness he brought to the many children of Reed City for so many generations during parades.” — Kimberly Housand
“I remember him at the 4th of July parade every year in Ludington. That was back in the 80s.” — Patty Geisenhaver
“He was in the Bitely homecoming parade for years. One year before the parade, he made me up in clown makeup. A few years back I ran into two different times at. Vanbrocklins bakery, we sat and talked and he told me some stories from his past. He was a great guy.” — Ross Fulton Jr.
“He was a devoted entry in every parade. Eventually, his young joined him. I moved away, so don’t know if that was for a long time or not. But I thought he also was such a little cutie.” — Sharyn Thebo Vanderkolk of Manistee
“He used to be in a relationship with my grandma when I was around 5 and sometimes when they would come over he would fill the pool with balloon animals.” — Hunter Galloup of Lake City
“My seventh birthday party at old time. Family Inn in Cadillac, Michigan. And every parade I can remember.” — Bill Main of Cadillac
“Back in my college days I worked at the H&D Chuck wagon in Reed City. He was a regular. Cooked him a few meals.” — Cainen Gilde of Big Rapids
“Fixture at the Mackinaw City Memorial Weekend parade for decades. He will be missed. R.I.P. Dynamite.” — Aaron Thompson of Mackinaw City
" I did a story on him 50 years ago when I was managing editor of the Osceola County Herald in Reed City.” — Doug Winger
“(He) was a staple of my Saturday mornings. I always enjoyed when he’d introduce the cartoons.” — John Campbell of Harrison
“I worked at the Osceola County Herald way back when. He used to come in weekly to get a paper and share his stories. He was a card.” — Kim Marie Visconti of Boyne City