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Norma M. Gabrielson

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Service Information

Norma M. Gabrielson, age 92, of Paynesville, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at her home in Paynesville.

Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville, with interment in Ripley Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Service will be livestreamed via the Paynesville Lutheran Church’s website.

Visitation/Gathering
Paynesville Lutheran Church
657 Maple St.
Paynesville, MN
Stearns
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Service
Paynesville Lutheran Church
657 Maple St.
Paynesville, MN
Stearns
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Funeral Chapel
Hantge Funeral Chapel
100 First Street
Darwin, MN 55324
Phone:(320) 693-8710
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Cemetery
Litchfield (Ripley) Cemetery
Hwy. 22
Litchfield, MN
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Obituary

Norma Mae (Kohls) Gabrielson was born on December 28, 1929, at Hutchinson Community Hospital in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Emil and Esther (Smith) Kohls. Norma was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth on June 14, 1942, both at Acoma Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota. She received her education at District #54 until the 7th grade, then transferred to Litchfield, Minnesota, and was a graduate with the Litchfield High School class of 1947.

On January 11, 1948, Norma was united in marriage to George Gabrielson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. Norma and George moved from their Lake Ripley home to their farm near Green Leaf Township, in 1958. Together they raised four children on the farm, Michael, Julie, Lori, and James. In 1977, Norma and George sold the farm and moved onto Lake Koronis in Paynesville, Minnesota. They shared 71 years of marriage before George passed away on November 19, 2019.

Norma kept herself busy over the years working for several businesses including 3M, a hardware store, other various retail stores, and being the bookkeeper for many years for Gabrielson Excavating, but she mostly worked out of her home. She had always dreamed of becoming an artist. In high school, she would make posters and draw fashion models and paper dolls. After studying with a few well-known artists such as Drew Jones, and Janice Beck, and traveling to Provence, France for a painting tour, Norma opened her own custom painting business. She could paint portraits, animals, landscapes, home sites, and anything in-between with charcoal, pastels, oils, and watercolors. Norma was a member of Paynesville Lutheran Church. She was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Litchfield for many years.

Norma enjoyed dancing, music, gardening, and painting. She loved sewing and opened her own drapery business which she ran out of her home sewing curtains, drapes, bedding, and even her own children’s clothes. Norma especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.

Norma passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at her home in Paynesville, at the age of 92 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Norma is survived by her:
Children, Julie Ledford and her husband, Bill of Anthem, 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 Thiede and her husband, Will, Jon Gabrielson, Marina Ledford and her husband, Rouby, and Nicholas Gabrielson;
Great-Grandchildren, Hannah, Sophia, and Michael Gabrielson, Zachary and Tyler Gabrielson, Rhea, Rayna, and Rayla Abraham;
Many other relatives and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. John and Sheila Merrill says

    October 26, 2022 at 12:07 pm

    Dear Jim, Julie, and Lori, We are so sorry we won’t be able to be with you on Tuesday, because we leave for Mexico Saturday morning. You know we loved your mom and we’re so glad we got to visit recently. She was always so happy when speaking of her kids and grandchildren. She had such a sparkling personality, a tremendous artistic talent, but most important was her kind and loving heart. I will treasure my Norma paintings, as they will always remind me of my beautiful friend. You were all so good to her and she was at peace, surrounded by your love.
    We will be thinking of you .
    Sincerely,
    John and Sheila Merrill

    Reply
    • Lori says

      October 26, 2022 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you both so much for your kind words. Also for all the friendship and support you gave to my parents. You brought them both much happiness.

      Reply
  2. Daniel and Yun Christenson says

    October 26, 2022 at 4:03 pm

    We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

    Sincerely,
    Dan and Yun Christenson

    Reply
  3. Laurie (Masteller) Smude says

    October 27, 2022 at 10:08 am

    Hugs to you all…my memories of Norma are all wonderful. She was an energetic, spirited woman. What a blessing to so many. Embrace the memories and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  4. Sue Gaub says

    October 27, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    Dearest Julie, Bill and Family, and Jim, Lori and other family members:

    I’m saddened to hear of Mom’s passing and grieve her loss from this earth with all of you. I’ll be attending through livestreaming and look forward to celebrating her special life.

    Love Always,
    Sue Gaub
    Scottsdale, AZ

    Reply
  5. Paul Krueger (Albert and Shirley's oldest) says

    October 28, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    Am sorry to hear of your moms passing. It was great to have you kids
    and parents as neighbors.—–yes few years ago, but pleasant memories.
    Paul

    Reply
  6. Donna Benson Musech says

    October 29, 2022 at 3:07 pm

    I knew Norma many years ago. I believe she was Norma Kohls and married George Gabrielson. I was in the Litchfield class of ‘51 with her sister Harriet.

    Reply
  7. Gary Johnson says

    October 31, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    Lori, Jim and Julie,
    You are in my thoughts as you navigate the next few days and months after the death of your mom. As you know, she meant a lot to me and will be missed by us all. I won’t be at the funeral tomorrow because of covid concerns but will be streaming the service to feel a part of Norma’s celebration of her amazing life.
    Much love to you all,
    Gary and Julie Johnson

    Reply
  8. Adrian Vanegas says

    November 1, 2022 at 11:30 am

    My dearest James we are sending all our love to you and your family during this time. ??

    Reply
  9. Janet Wendt says

    November 1, 2022 at 11:35 am

    Julie, Lori, Jim and families,

    Some of my best memories are of playing at your house, and later babysitting occasionally for the “2nd half”.
    I admired her gardening and painting and just overall exuberance for life. It was fun to know she was my dad’s cousin.
    Both of your parents were so special!
    Thank-you for streaming the service. Blessings to all of you as you move forward with your memories.

    Janet (Krueger) Wendt

    Reply

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