George Gabrielse

FITCHBURG- George Gabrielse, age 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011. He was born on July 16, 1928, in Sheboygan, the son of Jacob and Dina (Van de Guchte) Gabrielse. George was an example of God’s grace working daily in his life. A recovering alcoholic for 29 years, he was interested in giving, loving and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ. George started his career in construction in 1945 forming Gabe’s Construction with his father Jacob, and brothers. In 1949, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Katte. George continued with Gabe’s Construction until 1984 when he decided that it was time to move to Madison, starting InterCon Construction with his sons and son-in-law. He was courageous and ingenious in business always willing to reach out to every employee and let them know that they were valued. He served his customers with creativity and integrity. George was a founding director and originator of Oak Bank and was thrilled to be a part of establishing a community bank in Fitchburg that was aligned with his values. George was a craftsman and had a special love for cabinet making. He made countless heirlooms for his loved ones. George’s passion for wood and the opportunity for care, creation and learning caused him to give his wood shop to Rawhide Boys School to help in creating new opportunities for troubled youth. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Gabrielse; five children, Tom (Diane) Gabrielse, Kaye (Mark) Oostdyk, Jack (Denise) Gabrielse, Bruce (Barbara) Gabrielse and Brian (Jennifer) Gabrielse; 16 grandchildren and 12 additional grandchildren by marriage; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Ella) Gabrielse; sisters, Evangeline (Le Roy Ten Haken and the Rev. H. Fikkert, both deceased) Fikkert and Edith (Preston) DeHamer; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Ralph, deceased) Opgenorth. George was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Dina Gabrielse; brother, Edwin (Patricia, living and Beatrice, deceased) Gabrielse; sister, Gertrude (Lloyd) Heinen; an infant brother and sister; sister-in-law, Virginia (Ken, living) Lubbers; and brother-in-law, John Katte. Funeral services will be held at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Verona, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, with Pastor Chris Dolson and Pastor Bert DeJong presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated for Rawhide Boys Ranch (Gabrielse Wood Shop Endowment), Abundant Life Christian School (Gabrielse Scholarship Fund) or HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg. Online condolences may be left at www.gundersonfh.com. Grandpa, you are our hero. You understood our individual strengths and encouraged us to be the best that we could be. Thank you for all of the time that you spent with us and lessons you taught us. Your legacy is personified in each of us. Dad, you were a tremendous mentor to us and many that you encountered. Your ability to listen, your grit determination and deep love will be missed. What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated for Rawhide Boys Ranch (Gabrielse Wood Shop Endowment), Abundant Life Christian School (Gabrielse Scholarship Fund) or HospiceCare Inc in Fitchburg. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Verona, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, with Pastor Chris Dolson and Pastor Bert DeJong presiding.