George A. Gabrielson

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.