Service Information
George A. Gabrielson, age 93, of Paynesville, formerly Litchfield, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019, at his home in Paynesville.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 11:00 A.M. at Paynesville Lutheran Church. Interment will take place in the spring in the Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by the Paynesville American Legion Post 271.
Obituary
George Archibald Gabrielson was born on February 22, 1926, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Carl and Florence (Wilbur) Gabrielson. George was baptized in the Christian faith at Litchfield Church of Christ. He attended Carlson Country School and Litchfield High School, along with working on the farm.
George entered active military service in the United States Naval Reserve on May 30, 1944, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was sent to the South Pacific Ocean, where he served on the USS Birmingham as a Fireman First Class and also in New Guinea. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 18, 1946, and achieved the rank of Fireman First Class.
Upon discharge from the military, he went to work for Johnson Brothers Construction Company. In the fall of 1946, he met his wife, Norma. On January 11, 1948, George was united in marriage to Norma Mae Kohls at Immanuel Lutheran in Acoma Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with four children, Michael, Julie, Lori, and James. In 1958, George and Norma moved to the farm near Green Leaf Township, where they raised their 4 children. George and Norma shared 71 years of marriage.
In 1955, George worked on the Indiana Toll Road for several seasons. He also worked at Custom Products as a sales representative for the Minnesota area for ten years. George started Gabrielson Excavating in 1977, his son, Jim, joined him in 1994. In 1985, he also spent 3 years in Malibu, California doing construction for a home. George never really retired, as he enjoyed his work.
George enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling in their motor home, spending time with his horses, and occasionally golfing with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. George was a friend to all; he was a fair, honest, and loving man.
George passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019, at his home surrounded by family in Paynesville, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years. Blessed be his memory.
George is survived by his:
Wife, Norma Gabrielson of Paynesville, MN;
Children, Julie Ledford and her husband, Bill, of Phoenix, AZ,
Lori Gabrielson of Minneapolis, MN,
James Gabrielson of Paynesville, MN;
Daughter-in-law, Julianna Gabrielson of Sauk Rapids, MN;
Grandchildren, Christopher Gabrielson and his wife, Sarah, Ryan Gabrielson, Holly Gabrielson, Jon Gabrielson, Marina Ledford, and Nicholas Gabrielson;
Great-Grandchildren, Hannah, Sophia, and Michael Gabrielson, Zachary and Tyler Gabrielson; Rhea and Rayna Abraham;
Brother, David Gabrielson and his wife, Judy, of Litchfield, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
George was preceded in death by his Parents, Carl and Florence Gabrielson; Son, Michael Gabrielson; Siblings, Lillian Benson and her husband, Bernard, Arlene Alinder and her husband, Sig, Alice Peacock and her husband, Robert, Harland Gabrielson and his wife, Borghild, Rose Gabrielson, Virgil Gabrielson and his wife, Ruby, Merle Gabrielson and his wife, Louise, Kenneth Gabrielson and his wife, Phyllis, Donald Gabrielson and his wife, Elaine, and Galene Gabrielson.
Suzanne Schwappach says
Uncle George was a ray of sunshine always had that smile and undeniable laugh. He will be greatly missed and forever in my heart. Hugs to the family.
Love
Suzy (Christenson) Schwappach and family
Jan DeShon says
We love you uncle George. You lived an exemplary life. We are grateful to have you as our uncle. You were always a peaceful presence. You and Aunt Norma…a match made in heaven. I pray that God gives your family peace, in this temporary separation.
Love Jan DeShon
Karla Lange says
Blessed be the life and memory of George Gabrielson. Love and prayers for you Lori and your family!
Robin Ann Jagt Spencer says
Our sympathies to your family. He lived and now George celebrates in the “eternal family reunion” in Paradise with his Lord and his many dear loved ones that have already left us. My grandma, Arlyene, loved her brother- as she dearly called her little brothers- the “boys”! How they made her laugh!
She and my mom, JoAnn, no doubt are celebrating together with the close knit family-“The Gabrielsons”.
Blessed be your memories of George and his smiles.
Condolences from the Jagt family.