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.