Gravelle

Stephen “Steve” Oswell Jr., age 68 of Pine River, formerly Lyndale, MN, passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born on August 3, 1956, to Stephen and Joann (Thul) Gravelle in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Steve grew up in Watertown, MN.  He was the oldest of nine children.  His childhood was filled with self-led adventures creating lifelong friendships.  He was always up for a good time.  His siblings often looked to him for his wisdom and work ethic.  He held them near and dear to his heart.  He attended Watertown High School and entered the workforce before finishing his education.

Music was his first passion and career.  At the age of 13, he began playing the drums in his parent’s band which led to a lifetime love of music including starting and leading many bands. Many of these bands included his brother, Rob and cousin, Roger.  The harmonies the three of them created were unparalleled. He would go on to master playing guitar and being a lead vocalist.  Often reminding people of Willie Nelson. The Mid-Life Crisis band became a part of the Tonka Alano fun nights and fundraising events.

A faithful friend of Bill W.,  Steve celebrated his 45th year of sobriety on January 1st, 2025.  Sobriety changed his life and helped him develop long lasting friendships that meant the world to him.  He would help thousands along his sobriety journey.  The impact of the knowledge he was able to share would prove to be immeasurable.

In his thirties, Jay Gorton, took him bass fishing.  A new passion for being on the water would be found.  Leading him to tournament fishing and being a part of the Westonka Bass Club.  He passed that passion along to his children and grandchildren.  He often would say, “a good partner would have had coffee in my cup already” before moving to the next fishing spot.

Foster care was another passion in his life.  He and his wife, LuAnn of “106 years” would foster numerous children leading to the beautiful adoption of Tyler (he finally got his boy!), Kate, and Grace in 2010 and Ali in 2012.

Steve loved to play cribbage–”never lost a game in the rain.”  He was a Master Craftsman.  Owning and operating Top Notch Exteriors, Inc. for over 30 years.  Oftentimes purchasing crew members their first pouch and hand tools.  He carried a passion for teaching the trade.  The past 15 years, he partnered with Lands End Development in creating beautiful lake homes in northern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.  He showed up to work early to “talk smart” and have coffee with the guys.

Steve and LuAnn created 51 years of memories together.  Building a strong foundation in their marriage through shared sobriety.  Often talking about family being their greatest success in life.

Steve is preceded in death by his father Stephen “Steve” Sr.; brother William; sister-in-law Cynthia Gravelle; father-in-law Virgil Logelin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years LuAnn (Logelin); children Sarah (Sandy) Thoeny; Misty (Junior) Brady, Crystal (Jason) Sundby; Brittany (Chris) Ratke; Tyler, Ali, Kate, and Grace Gravelle; beloved papa to Theo, Ari, Brody, Sophie, Olivia, Calvin, Everleigh, William, and Maverick; mother Joann Gravelle; siblings Bruce (Marjie) Gravelle, Ron Gravelle, Jim (Dixie) Gravelle, Mark (Kathy) Gravelle, Jerry (Karen) Gravelle, Suzy (Ward) Tabor, Rob (Missy) Gravelle; mother-in-law Sunny Logelin; brother-in-law Randy (Norma) Logelin, sister-in-law Lynn (Steve) Wert, and brother-in-law Scott (Dawn) Logelin,  numerous foster children throughout the years; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Freshwater Church in Waconia, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 10-11 AM. A luncheon and time of sharing will be held following the service.