Rev. John George Gabrielson went to be with the Lord in Fresno, California, Friday, October 18, 2019 at the age of 98 years. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 3, 1921. He graduated from Trinity Evangelical Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. He was a minister for 35 years and an accomplished vocalist, trumpeter, and music director.
He traveled throughout the Midwest with Youth for Christ Crusades during his ministry. He helped organize the beginning of three churches and served as Pastor or Assistant Pastor in 9 churches. He was also a building contractor and built 2 churches and many houses. He was a jack of all trades doing many aspects of the construction process. He was also a master auto mechanic who loved working on cars.
He loved his family so much! They were the delight of his life! He had such a forgiving spirit. He was loved by many!
He leaves behind a loving wife of 75 years, Charlotte (Brown), five children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Mary Boise, and a brother-in-law, Paul Van Gorkom, and many nieces and nephews. His children Paul Gabrielson and wife Mary from Fresno, CA, Donna Youngquist and husband Rodney from Lincoln, NE, Dan Gabrielson and wife Jessica from Fresno, CA, David Gabrielson, who died in 1969 at the age of 20 years, twin to Dan, Karen Hadley and husband Frank from Loomis, NE, and Chris Pettibon from Fresno, CA.
He was preceded in death by his biological father John George Amundson, killed in a construction accident when John Jr. was 6 weeks old. His mother Alice married Gunnar Gabrielson and he adopted John Jr. when he was 2 years old. Also passing were his brother Paul and 2 sisters Esther MacFarland and husband Bob, and Ruth Van Gorkom.
Our heartfelt thanks to the California Armenian Home for the wonderful care they gave Dad in his final hours.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Clovis Evangelical Free Church on Nov. 1 at 10:00 a.m.
The address is 2377 Armstrong Ave., Clovis, CA 93611. The funeral home is Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612.
Remembrances may be made to Clovis Evangelical Free Church at the above address or Sequoia Community Church, 6061 E. Kings Canyon Rd, #108, Fresno, CA, 93727.
