Daniel E. Gabrielson
Friday, July 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Age:
70 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday August 11, 2022
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Friday, July 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Age:
70 years old
Friday, July 25, 1952
Date of Death:
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Age:
70 years old
Daniel E. Gabrielson
Daniel E. Gabrielson (Gabby), 70, of Rochester, MN returned home to God to help watch over and protect us on August 9, 2022 in his home, after a strong battle against Lou Gehrigs Disease (ALS).
Dan was born in Southern Iowa to Carl and Mary Gabrielson. He loved traveling and meeting new people. He had traveled to all 50 states and 22 countries. Dan traveled during his 11 ½ years in the United States Marine Corp. and with his family, where they made many wonderful memories. Gabby also loved to travel by talking with and encouraging thousands of patients and their families here for the Mayo Clinic, providing hope, humor, and comfort to people from all over the country and the world.
Gabby had a way of making everyone feel important and appreciated. “Thank you for all you do and for your service to others” is what he would always say, and he meant it every time. Dan was always grateful to God and the blessings he brought to his life and made everyone he met aware of what a blessing life is and God’s presence in everything we do.
Gabby had many wonderful friends and made so many special memories with his family, with his great sense of humor.
Dan was a patriotic American and proud marine with a kind, courageous heart that advocated for human rights. Dan enjoyed working hard his entire life. He worked many years in law enforcement. He was a big supporter of the law enforcement memorial and veteran activities. He was chief of police in Iowa, corrections officer for many years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, worked construction, meat packing, farming, foreman in a foundry, and started his own businesses. After retiring from FMC in Rochester, he still had lots of energy and decided to join Mayo Clinic laboratory services, as well as doing lots of volunteer work in the community.
Dan is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Deborah, of 45 years; children; grandchildren; brothers, Richard and Raymond of Iowa; brother, Alan of Kansas; and many friends and family from all over the county.
Dan has been reunited with his parents, four siblings, granddaughter, as well as many other family and friends that preceded him in death.
A Visitation will from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2022 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Gabby always said prayers are our best wireless connection, so we ask for your continued prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice or continue Dan’s legacy of doing two good deeds a day for someone else.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Daniel E. Gabrielson has received the following condolences.
Deb and family. Our thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Rick and Kris McCoy
Gabby was the best of neighbors. He is a shining example of what is right in this world and our family is better because of him. He was the most thoughtful and caring person. When our son was born he gave us the most beautiful picture frame with the words “angels danced the day you were born”. I can guarantee angels are overjoyed to have you with them right now. I hope you are having the best of times in heaven. You have made a lasting legacy for so many.
Alyssa, Brad, and Dom Robbins
"Yeah, Buddy." Is what Gabby said to me in January 1995, when I first met him at FMC. He was young at heart with a great attitude and personality then, after he had retired, and when I last seen him at Cub Foods a couple of months ago. Wearing that cowboy hat and super friendly to my family and anyone around him. Always giving me very good advice. I will definitely miss you Gabby.
I first met Gabby when my girls and I were at the Salvation Army picking out books to read. He smiled at us and told us how thankful he was to see kids loving to read. When I went to pay he had already done it. He smiled and said”God bless you.” After that I continued to see him blessing others and making them smile….Second hand stores, garage sales ect….I never forgot that kindness he showed to my family and others. So blessed to have experienced his kindness. He did exactly what God wants us to do. Love one another and show kindness to all♥️
I work for the local 7Up vendor I met Gabby 5 years ago. He and I discussed my family often. My wife has an assistance dog for her MS and we talked about her and her dog a lot. We talked about my kids since one of them lives in Kansas he was always eager to talk about our trips to kansas. He thanked me for all my service, called me " partner" everytime we started and ended our talks. He lit up my day and many others as he picked up goods for others. Always called himself a do gooder and valued everyone he made contact with. I am so greatlful for the past 5 years that I got to know him. I will certainly miss seeing him around, I am grateful he's not suffering and is reunited with family and can continue his gratitude in heaven. I'll miss you "partner" keep an eye on us from above.
Your 7 Up partner
Matt Grabau.
I am so sorry for your loss. Gabby is going to be missed by more people than you could imagine. I was a door attendant at Mayo and always enjoyed chatting with him. He would always ask patients how they were doing and had a way of making everyones day better. He was the kindest, most caring, most unselfish person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Your loss of him will be felt by many.
Sorry for your loss. He was a customer where I work and had the most positive attitude I’ve ever seen! ALWAYS thanked us for doing our job. Every single time he shopped. ❤️
Our hearts hurt for your loss. Gabby was such a wonderful neighbor and kind soul. I enjoyed our chit chats at the end of the driveway and he always had such kind things to say about how I was raising my son as well as words of wisdom for Ethan when he was outside as well. And it wasn't just us, he took the time to be this friendly to all the neighbors and stop and say hi. Many times he would roll the window on his drive to stop and talk. He would mention how he was dropping water off to people in need or picking up someone who needed a ride. His kindness to our community was so big. We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know we are happy to help with anything you need just as Gabby would always offer help to us. We are just across the street. With heavy hearts, we are so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wish I could be there in person, but my better half is there for both of us. I always enjoyed Danny's humor and his ability to have fun. Love
Theresa and the boys
Gabby was great fun working with at the FMC, with his wonderful since of humor and wit. Les deeply appreciated all his kind gestures after he suffered his stroke.
Thoughts and Prayers During this Difficult Time. Les and Reyne Knutson
Gabby was a great guy, both at FMC and helping folks at Mayo Clinic. Always had a smile for everyone. He made FMC a happier place to work. God bless his family.