SIOUX FALLS — Roger D. Gravelle Sr., aged 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls.
Roger Dean Gravelle was born June 6, 1935, the son of Lester and Eva (Johnson) Gravelle. Roger was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and he graduated from Washington High in 1953.
On October 1, 1956, Roger married Irene “Virginia” Balvin at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church in Valley Springs, The couple lived on “Rocky Ridge Ranch,” located 11 miles south of Wessington, and were blessed with three children, Roger Jr., Roxane, and Robin.
From 1956 to 1970, Roger enjoyed being a rancher. He raised cattle, horses, and sheep. In 1970, he began managing motels in Canistota, Faith, Pierre, and Sioux Falls, until his retirement in 2005.
Roger always had a passion for horses. He enjoyed reading, nature walks, sports, and westerns. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them.
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; a brother, Glenn (LaDonna) Gravelle, and one sister, Mary Jo Overbey.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eva Gravelle; a brother, Kenneth Gravelle; and a son-in-law, Terry Ensz.
A funeral will be held at 2 p.m., today, March 15, with family present to greet friends beginning at 1 p.m., at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls. Roger’s body will be donated to the USD School of Medicine.
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