Stephen Joseph Gretsch

Our family is heartbroken to announce the unexpected passing of Stephen “Giant” Gretsch, age 64, of Albany, Minnesota, on September 4.

Stephen was born April 12, 1962, to Russell and Barbara (Blattner) Gretsch. He married Patricia “Patty” Olmscheid on May 26, 1984, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, Minnesota, and together made their home in Albany with their three children: Joseph, Danielle, and Tiffany.

Steve grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and golf. Many of his high school classmates became lifelong friends, relationships he cherished throughout his life. He went on to earn his associate degree from St. Cloud Business College.

Steve began his career at KASM Radio, working alongside his mom before becoming a stay-at-home dad and embracing that role wholeheartedly. Steve was a proud and involved father who coached his daughters’ basketball teams and was always there to support all three of them in golf, cheering them on every step of the way. In 2005, he and Patty purchased KLFD Radio in Litchfield, where he followed his true passion — becoming the voice of local sports, hosting the morning show, and delivering countless commercials that made him a familiar and beloved voice throughout the community. Through his work and his love of the community, he formed many wonderful friendships over the years and cherished the many people who became an important part of his life.

Giant was an avid golfer who lived on the Albany Golf Course and spent countless hours playing the game he loved. In his younger years, he played competitively and even won the Buick Scramble National Championship in Florida. He was a dedicated member of the Albany Golf Club, serving on its board for nearly 30 years, and was a member of the Albany Jaycees and Litchfield Lions. Steve loved hunting and fishing. Over the years, he enjoyed having a variety of boats, fish houses, and other toys that gave him even more ways to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. He never missed deer opener or fishing opener, traditions he looked forward to sharing with his close friends up north every year. Giant was known as a true grill master who loved smoking and grilling for family and friends.

Steve had a special place in his heart for his dogs over the years. Crickett, Woody, and Buster were an important part of his life, and more recently, his two beloved Aussiedoodles, Brodie and Berkeley, brought him endless companionship and joy.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patty; his children, Joseph (Autumn Nielsen), Danielle, and Tiffany (Stephanie Modrynski); his two precious grandchildren, Brinley and Grace; his father, Russ; and his siblings, Jane (Daniel Schneider) Mayers and Joel (Melanie Shattner) Gretsch; and his nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barb, who passed away in 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Seven Dolors Church in Albany, Minnesota. A private interment at the parish cemetery will take place at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at the church prior to the Mass. Following the Mass, a celebration of life reception will be held at Shady’s Sunset Bay in St. Anna, Minnesota.

Giant passed unexpectedly while doing what he loved — taking one last motorcycle ride. A heartfelt thank you to all those who supported him throughout his MS journey, his A.B.A.T.E. friends, and the KLFD family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/giant