Vince Gravelle

Vince Gravelle passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at home, surrounded by loved ones-including his beloved bulldog, Cavi, who instinctively stayed close by his side.

Vince was born on May 14, 1940, in Panama City, Florida. To those who knew him, Vince was a man who preferred to 'keep it brief,' but his life was anything but. His 85 years were filled with character, humor, resilience, and a presence that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Though he carried a bit of mischief with him from childhood onward, that playful spirit only fueled his journey toward becoming a steady, hardworking, and accomplished man.

In his younger years, Vince was a gifted athlete, playing football and basketball and earning a well-deserved place in the Deadwood High School Hall of Fame. While raising his young family, he worked at Terry Peak Ski Resort to put himself through college. After graduating from Black Hills State University, he began his professional career with Cole Construction, developing the grit and dependable work ethic that defined his life. His career journey spanned the globe, taking him from Deadwood, South Dakota, to Vietnam, and later to Ralston Purina in Denver, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

He found his long-term professional home at Stevens Painton in Cleveland, Ohio. Starting as an Office Manager with a single share of stock, he rose through the ranks to retire in 2009 as CEO. While he often referred to himself as 'just a Western Hillbilly,' he was a charismatic, iconic leader who believed in treating people the way he wanted to be treated. During his time at Stevens, the company grew from only ten salaried employees into a powerhouse of more than 2,000 employees by his retirement. He managed to make 'big, ugly construction' a company that people truly loved to work for, fostering a culture where generations of families grew up working for the company. It wasn't uncommon to find parents and their children, or siblings and cousins, working side by side; even several members of Vince's own family called Stevens their home.

Vince loved big boats and the freedom of the open water, though his wife, Glenrose, didn't always share the same sentiment. She much preferred the boat when it was safely docked and connected to shore power. As a result, Vince affectionately named his vessels *Shore Power* I through VI in succession as they grew in size. While he kept the peace at the dock for his girls, his sons-in-law kept it real on the open sea, joining him for adventurous week-long fishing trips to Key West, the Bahamas, and Cuba.

In retirement, Vince divided his time between his homes in Vermilion, Ohio; Lead, South Dakota; and Marco Island, Florida. He also traveled internationally, frequently visiting Puerto Vallarta to create lasting memories with friends and family. He eventually settled in Cody, Wyoming, with his wife of 14 years, Romell Gravelle, where he was welcomed with love into her large family. In Cody, Vince found a team to love as fiercely as they loved him: the Cody Cubs. He supported them devotedly-watching their games, traveling to follow them, and taking great joy in every inning. The team honored his support with a 'Vince and Romell Day.'

Vince was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Elliott (Wagner); his father, Fred Gravelle; his brother, Gary Gravelle; his brother-in-law, Jerry Kaelberer (Dianne); and his first wife of 49 years, Glenrose Gravelle (Hill).

He is survived by his wife, Romell Gravelle (Reinker); his daughters, Vicki Anderson (Jerry), Laurie Young (Ron), and Cynthia Godwin (Lee); his sister, Sandy Beshara (Bill); and his brother, Michael Gravelle. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Justin Kraemer (Amanda), Lindsey Young (Zach), Reece Young (Jenna), Ryan Kraemer (Ashley), Taylor Anderson, Zachary Anderson, and Vincent Cole Godwin; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by Romell's children: Paul Reinker (Rebecca), Lori Ungrund (Keith), Mike Reinker (Jaime), and Emmi Dethlefs (Joe), along with 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many special in-laws.

Though he is no longer with us, the stories, laughter, and love he shared will be felt for generations. Cheers to 85 remarkable years, Vinnie-your presence will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cody on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11am with visitation starting at 10:30. Vince will have another service at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Home in Spearfish on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11am, with visitation starting at 10am. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

Memories and condolences can be shared on Vince's memorial page at www.BallardFH.com