Roger D. Gravelle Sr.
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 3:39pm
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Roger D. Gravelle Sr., aged 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD.
Roger Dean Gravelle was born on June 6, 1935, the son of Lester and Eva (Johnson) Gravelle. Roger was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated from Washington High in 1953.
On October 1, 1956, Roger married Irene “Virginia” Balvin at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, SD. The couple lived on “Rocky Ridge Ranch,” located 11 miles south of Wessington, SD, and were blessed with three children, Roger Jr., Roxane, and Robin.
Between 1956 and 1970, Roger worked as a rancher raising cattle, horses, and sheep. After that, he shifted his career to motel management and started managing motels in Canistota, South Dakota. Later, he purchased and managed motels in Faith, Pierre, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Finally, he retired from work in 2005.
Roger had a deep passion for horses and loved being a rancher. He also enjoyed reading, going on nature walks, watching sports, and watching Western movies. Most importantly, he loved his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them.
Roger was a devoted husband, cherished father, and loving “old grandpa and papa.” He will be greatly missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia Gravelle; children, Roger D. Jr. (Susan) Gravelle, Roxane D. Ensz, and Robin (Trudi) Gravelle; six grandchildren, Ashley (Regis) Cannon, Adam (Carrie) Ensz, Kevin (Jennifer) Ensz, Amanda (Shawn) Pullman, McKelle (Mica) Gravelle, and McKaila (boyfriend Elijah) Gravelle; seven great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Kiyla, Achiaus, Urijah, Wren, Kayden, and Kaitlyn; and brother, Glenn (LaDonna) Gravelle, and sister, Mary Jo Overbey.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eva Gravelle; brother, Kenneth Gravelle; and son-in-law, Terry Ensz.
A funeral was held with family present to greet friends on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Miller Funeral Home. Roger’s body was donated to the USD School of Medicine.
For additional information please visit www.MillerFH.com.
