Orval “Orv” Allen Gabriel, Jr., 91, passed away on December 31, 2023 at Pine Ridge Assisted Living in Hudson, WI.
Orval was born to Orval “Ole” Allen Gabriel, Sr. and (Ona) Ruby Sylte on December 23, 1932 in Amery, Wisconsin and graduated from Amery High School in 1951. On December 18, 1954, he was united in marriage to Betty Burke in Hudson, Wisconsin. Together, they had sons Todd, Mark, Paul, Kevin and Eric.
In 1955, he graduated from UW-Superior with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History. He was also in the ROTC program. He always said he went there to get a “Superior education!” From there, Orval joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a navigation officer from 1956-1959. Upon his return from the service, he went to River Falls State Teachers College for a year and then taught at St. Croix Falls High School from 1959-1963. He then attended UW-Madison and completed his Master Degree before becoming an administrator at Madison Area Technical College from 1964-1972. The family ventured back north from Madison to rural Menomonie, where Orval began working at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire as a recruiter from 1972-1989. In 1980, Orval was remarried to Bovaird Brown in Menomonie, WI, adding James Held to the family as well.
Orv loved the out-of-doors especially chores around his hobby farm. He loved his horses, hunting, and camping – but you could also find him attending to his kids and grandkids. He loved to sing, always singing around the house, and in church choirs. Orv grew up as a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Amery and was a faithful part of the Church in every town he lived in.
Orval remains in the hearts of his wife, Bovaird “Bo”; sons, Todd, Mark (Brenda), Paul (Judy), and Eric (Kelly); step-son, James (Sheila) Held; daughter-in-law Shari; grandchildren, Jacob, Jeffrey, Rory (Randy), Emily (Levi), Benjamin, Isaac, Joshua, Nicole (Chris), Tonya (Matt), Justin, Jhette, Bode, Tori (Ben), CJ, Patrick, and Kathryn (Alan); sister, Gloria (Dick) Risberg; nephew, Scott (Lisa); and niece, Lori (Tom) Peters and eight great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Ruby Gabriel; his wife Betty of 25 years, son Kevin and granddaughter Melinda.
A visitation for Orval will be held on Saturday January 13, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. Eleventh Street, Hudson, Wisconsin 54016 with a memorial service to begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be live streamed on the O’Connell Funeral Home Youtube HERE. A burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Croix Hospice or the charity of your choice.
My late husband Tom and I were good friends of Orv and Betty when they lived in Hudson… I know Betty died very young and always wondered what happened to Orv. Tom and I knew all those little boys back then and spent lots of time with the whole family. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family at this sad time. They were a wonderful couple to know and to be friends with.
Carol McConaughey
Houlton, Wisconsin
Our condolences go out to Bo and the family. Orval was such a kindhearted man, he will be missed by everyone. He really enjoyed talking about his years in the Air Force, his face lit up when he talked about it. We won’t be able to make it to the service but our prayers and thoughts will be with all of you. Love Terry and Rhonda Kuester.
Orv was by far one of the most honorable men I have ever met. Working with him at Pine Ridge Gardens was a huge honor. He always had a smile on his face, was easily delighted by some chocolate, and never failed to remind me about the three most important qualities for a successful marriage: patience, sacrifice, and tolerance.
My condolences on Orv”s death to the family.
Gladys Waller
Bo you had a lovely mate in choosing Orv. He was kind and considerate and had a smile for everyone.
Glad I got to know you thru Pookie, who has been gone 8 years now.
Take care, love.
My sympathy to Bo and Orv’s entire family. I worked with him in Student Services at CVTC the entire he was there. I grew up in Amery, so we had that in common as well. When my mother moved into Amery, she lived across the street from Ruby. I have many good memories of “Mr. Gabriel” as we called him at work. Prayers for all of you. May memories comfort you and offer you peace. God bless.
Joyce Linderholm
My sympathies to Bo and all of Orv’s family. I worked with “Mr. Gabriel” (as we called him) for the entire time he was at CVTC. If we weren’t talking admissions, we had Amery to talk about since I grew up there too. Prayers that God will grant you comfort and peace.
Joyce Linderholm