John Gabrielson

John Robert “Bob” “Gabe” Gabrielson, 83, of Clear Lake, died Thursday, July 30, 2015 at his home.

Due to his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa Anatomy Dept., Iowa City.  A celebration of his life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Evangelical Free Church, Clear Lake, with Pastor Randy Vaage officiating. Family will greet friends with a time of sharing on Friday, Aug. 7, from 5-7 p.m. at the Clear Lake Arts Center, Clear Lake, and then one hour before the service at the church.  The family suggests memorials to John Robert Gabrielson Memorial Fund.

John was born Jan. 15, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of John H. and Fae Marie (Cunningham) Gabrielson.  He graduated from Des Moines Tech, Des Moines, and then from Drake University, Des Moines, with a B.S. Degree.

He taught school at Dike, North Polk, Stanhope and moved to Clear Lake in 1963 where he taught history until he retired in 1987.  During his years of teaching, he also coached girls and boys basketball, girls golf, girls softball, and taught drivers education.  Also during his teaching years, he broadcasted games of Newman, Clear Lake and N.I.A.C.C. for KRIB.

John married Mary Benson on May 19, 1956, in Dayton, Iowa, and to this union three children were born.  The couple enjoyed raising their children in Clear Lake.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John was an avid Cubs fan, fisherman, sports fan and supporter of all things Clear Lake.  He and Dianne enjoyed traveling, the arts, and a love for music.

John is survived by his three children, Linda (Randy) Vaage, Clear Lake, Lance (Tami) Gabrielson, Rochester, Minn., and Lonnie (Karen) Gabrielson, Clear Lake; 11 grandchildren Jenni (Matt) Sauer, Michele (Chad) Harrison, Jeff (Jeslynne) Vaage, Nicole (Steve) Erdmann, Steven Gabrielson, Curtis Rogers, Logan Rogers, Sierra Greiman, Alena Gabrielson, Alex Gabrielson and Roman Gabrielson; seven great-grandchildren; his close companion for over 20 years Dianne Woodard, Clear Lake; one brother, Jim Gabrielson, Hanover, Minn.; sister-in-law, Dee Gabrielson, Richardson, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fae; his wife, Mary, in 1994; his brother, Don Gabrielson; and sister-in-law, Jorene Gabrielson.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.