John Gerard Gravlin

On Tuesday, February 27, 2024 John passed away at his home surrounded by family after a 6 month fight with pancreatic cancer.

Beloved husband of Marian Gravlin (nee Wright) for over 38 years.  Dearest father of Travis (Ali) Gravlin and Kimi (Paul) Smelcer. Dearest Grandpa to Reid, Ben, Elise and Violet. Son to Helen “Dee” Gravlin, brother to Jim Gravlin, Jeanne (Rich) Rozycki, Jackie (Jim) Lordo, Steve (Kathy) Gravlin.  Son-in-law to Georgiann (John) Koesterer. Brother-in-law to Jenny Roberson, Tammy (Brian) Bailey, Chris (Tim) Capehart, Paul (Bridget) Wright.  Uncle to 15 nieces and nephews.

John attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, where he also met Marian, and earned his BSBA in 1983 and his MBA in 1987.  After working in Cost Accounting for years, mainly at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of KC, he changed careers to be a Financial Advisor in 2000.  John and family moved from Kansas City to St. Louis, and earned his Certified Financial Planner certificate in 2007.  He advised clients for over 20 years at Waddell & Reed and then LPL Financial. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

John poured his heart into The Gravlin Legacy Park at Forest Home for over 2 years, not expecting his legacy to start so early.  He saw it as another option for family gatherings as the family grew in recent years. Nothing made him happier to see his family enjoy his land.

John and Marian enjoyed traveling, having grown fond of National Parks and cruising.  This went hand in hand with another love of his, photography.

The family would like to thank Marquita, his hospice nurse, and the Mercy Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The St. Louis Area Food Bank or to Operation Food Search in John’s honor.