Stephen Gregory Gratzer

Steve Gratzer, 69, of Houston, Texas was called peacefully to his eternal home on October 26, 2026. Born on September 27, 1957, to Edward and Margaret Noxel Gratzer in Syracuse, New York. Steve was raised in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Steve joins in Heaven his parents, his brothers, Edward (Ted) Gratzer and Gary Gratzer.

Steve will deeply missed by his wife, Kelly Gratzer, son Christian Gratzer, daughter, Haley Gratzer (Robert), grandson, Thomas, his beloved brother, Alan Gratzer (Nancy Taylor), Father in-Law, Henry Hair (Karen), brother-in-law, Trent Hair (Beth), sister-in-law, Kimberly Pearson (Josh), nephews and nieces: Tim Gratzer (Cynthia), Travis Gratzer (Shanna), Abby Gratzer Owens (Corey), Ryan Gratzer (Azita Sheridan), Mandy Gratzer Westerman (Stephen), Aaron Lopez and many other family members, wonderful friends and neighbors.

Steve was a proud graduate of the Class of 1975 at Andover High School in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. A true free spirit with a love for nature and a touch "hippie" that stayed with him throughout his life, Steve valued community, kindness, and simple pleasures above all else. After high school, he attended Michigan State University, where he became a devoted Spartan fan. The Michigan State flag is proudly displayed at his home and his enthusiastic renditions of the MSU fight song were lasting testaments to his lifelong school pride. Following graduation, Steve began his career in media buying with Doner in Detroit before relocating to Houston, Texas, in the 1980s to launch a successful career in television advertising sales at KTXH Channel 20 before moving to KHOU Channel 11 for most of his career. It was while in Houston, that he married Grace Sanchez, and together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Haley and Christian. In 2004, Steve married Kelly, spending the next 22 years raising the kids, building careers, welcoming their first grandbaby, and creating a home that welcomed everyone.

Throughout his professional life, Steve was known for his ability to build meaningful relationships, a gift that became one of his defining characteristics both personally and professionally. Steve was a force of nature in the media world. While he was outwardly fun loving and creative, Steve was extremely serious about the work. Focused and creative, he was built to be in sales. Moving over from the agency side to the station side, Steve quickly became a market favorite. He was a knowledgeable Local and National Sales Manager whose relationships helped his Account Executives and stations thrive. He had success across the board in local, national and management roles. While it was hard work, Steve always made sure he and his teams had fun along the way. Everyone knew him, but no one knew him just as Steve. He was “Gratz” or “Gratzer”—sometimes “Stevie”, “Stevie G” or “Esteban.” Whatever you called him, you always called him. You called him because there was no one better to connect with clients, to untie a media knot or come up with a viable rationale for why a new show would deliver.

To all who knew him, Steve's warm smile, generous hospitality, hearty laughter, and unforgettable hugs were constant sources of comfort and encouragement. He truly never met a stranger. In Champion Forest, Steve became a beloved fixture of the neighborhood. Nearly every day, he could be seen walking with his faithful companions, Chelsea and Timber, offering a wave, a smile, and a cheerful "hello" to everyone he encountered. He leaned into the same relationship-building talents that fueled his professional success, investing wholeheartedly in the people around him. Whether you were a new family just arriving in the neighborhood or part of one of its founding households, Steve made it his mission to know you. He somehow managed to remember not only neighbors' names, but also their professions, hobbies, children's accomplishments, and even the names of their pets. It often seemed as though he knew every person on every street along his walking route, and he had a remarkable way of making each individual feel seen, valued, and welcomed.

Steve found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid beekeeper in his youth, who delighted in tending his hives and sharing his honey with family and friends. Music filled his home, especially REO Speedwagon, always adding to his upbeat rhythm of life. He enjoyed playing golf, water skiing, reading history, experimenting in the kitchen, grilling for a crowd, and filling his home with laughter, conversation, and fellowship. Entertaining brought him great happiness, and no guest ever left without feeling like family. He was recently referred to by one of the kids’ friends as “the peoples’ dad.” As the kids grew up in Afton Oaks, their friends were always welcome, and Steve and Kelly delighted with having a house full. Some of his happiest moments were spent poolside, quietly watching the birds that visited his backyard oasis, tracking weather systems on radar, or gazing at the big and bright stars at night, fascinated by nature's ever-changing beauty.

Steve's compassion extended far beyond casual acts of kindness. Following his own heroic recovery from an organ transplant, he devoted himself with unwavering love and selflessness to helping care for his mother-in-law throughout her fifteen-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. His commitment never wavered. He met each challenge with patience, dignity, and grace, providing comfort not only to her but to everyone who loved her. This steadfast devotion reflected the very essence of who Steve was: a man whose capacity to care for others knew no bounds.

Steve's legacy is one of kindness, generosity, genuine human connection, and an unwavering belief in the value of community. He leaves behind countless cherished memories, lifelong friendships, and a neighborhood made better simply because he was part of it. His family and friends will forever remember the way he made people feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved.

Steve was amazingly strong as he progressed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) for five weeks. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Houston Methodist Liver Team and Neurology Team, and Julie Machac with Hospice of Houston for her special care of him and support to all of us.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am at Klein Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2026. Klein Funeral Home 16131 Champions Forest Drive Spring, Texas 77379.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Inc. in honor of Steve’s memory. Please click here