Thomas H. Gravelle

Thomas H. Gravelle, 82, of Aitkin, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 in Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin.  Tom was born June 26, 1940 in Grand Rapids to Clifford J. and Margaret E. (Janzen) Gravelle.  Tom attended Maryhill Academy and Aitkin Public Schools, graduating in 1959.  Tom attended college at UMD.  He then started working for his father on their turkey farm and at Gravelle Plumbing and Heating.  In 1960 Tom joined the Minnesota National Guard and served for six years as Supply Sergeant.  Tom was a member of the Aitkin V.F.W. Post #1727 and Aitkin Legion Post #86.  Tom was united in marriage to Shirley Teiken on August 10, 1963 at St. Joseph’s Church, Crosby.   Tom and his cousin, Gene Paulson purchased Gravelle Plumbing and Heating  from C.J. Gravelle on January 1, 1964.  Tom sold the business in 2001 to his son, Bill and son-in-law, Harlon Pelarski.  Tom was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Aitkin and served as a past trustee for the church.  He was a supporter of the Crosier Brothers seminary in Onamia.  Tom served as a Director of Security State Bank for 20 years.  He was also a member of Aitkin Jaycees for a number of years.  Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and traveling.  He loved spending time at the family cabin and going to Florida in the winter months.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, John “Jack”, Dennis “Woody” and Richard Gravelle.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Shirley of Aitkin; sons, Joseph (Patricia) Gravelle of Elk Mound, Wisconsin and Bill (Jean) Gravelle of Aitkin; daughter, Diane (Harlon) Pelarski of Aitkin; grandchildren, Luke, Jack, Kate, Bethanie, John, Jessica, Scott, Stephanie and Mike; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Michael (Connie) Gravelle of Pueblo, Colorado; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Tom’s family would like to thank Aicota Health Care Center for the compassionate care he received. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 23, 2022 at 11 AM in St. James Catholic Church, Aitkin with Father Mike Patullo officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Military Honors will be provided by Aitkin American Legion Post #86 and Aitkin V.F.W. Post #1727.  Interment will be in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, Aitkin at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Riverwood Foundation, St. James Catholic Church Food Shelf and St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery.  To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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