Tribute to Steve Gretsch
It was one week ago today that KLFD owner/announcer Steve Gretsch perished in a motorcycle accident near Cold Spring. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning at Seven Dolors Church in Albany. The 64-year-old Gretsch was known to many as the “Giant” and the loss of this giant personality has left a massive void in the lives of those who knew him.
Steve Gretsch was born on April 12th of 1962 to Russ & Barb Gretsch. He was a 3-sport athlete at Albany High School – football, basketball and golf – and graduated in 1980, and then went on to earn his associate degree from St. Cloud Business College. He married Patricia “Patty” Olmscheid on May 26, 1984, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, Minnesota, and they made their home in Albany with their three children – Joseph, Danielle, and Tiffany.
Steve began his career at KASM Radio in Albany, working alongside his mother before becoming a stay-at-home dad. He coached his daughters’ basketball teams and supported all three of his children in golf. In 2005, Steve and Patty purchased KLFD Radio in Litchfield, where he became the voice of local sports, hosting the morning show, and delivering countless commercials that made him a familiar and beloved voice throughout the community.
Gretsch was an avid golfer who lived on the Albany Golf Course and spent countless hours playing the game. 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 also enjoyed hunting, fishing, grilling and caring for his dogs.
Steve enjoyed motorcycle riding and looked forward to the ABATE State Motorcycle Rally each Labor Day weekend in Litchfield. Steve passed away doing what he loved – taking one last motorcycle ride. Steve was battling Multiple Sclerosis so in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Patty; his children – Joseph (Autumn Nielsen), Danielle, and Tiffany (Stephanie Modrynski); two grandchildren – Brinley and Grace; his father – Russ; and his siblings – Jane (Daniel Schneider) Mayers and Joel (Melanie Shattner) Gretsch; and his nieces and nephew.
