Obituary: Earl Gabriel

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In memory of

Earl Gabriel

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 91

Raymond “Earl” Gabriel was born July 24, 1918 to Fred and Frances (Hunn) Gabriel. The sixth child of seven, he grew up on their homestead south of Faith, South Dakota in the Turtle Creek area. He helped with milking cows, herding cattle, sheep and horses as a child. He received an eighth grade education at the Turtle Creek School.

Earl lived with his family south of Faith until 1934 when he moved with his parents and brothers, Frank and Paul, to the Wounded Knee area where his father had leased 2½ sections of land to run their cattle on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. They lived there for about five years on American Horse Creek. Around 1940 Earl moved to his brother Floyd Gabriel’s ranch near Pedro, SD. He purchased sheep from his youngest brother Frank who was serving in World War II. Earl was working for Floyd when he met the woman he would love and spend the rest of his life with.

On May 17, 1941 Earl married Erma Rose Coleman in Philip, SD. For a while they resided with Floyd and Tressa Gabriel (Earl’s brother and Erma’s sister) and there they began their ranching life raising sheep. Around 1943 they moved to north west Haakon county, to what was known as the Moses Place. There they raised sheep and broke horses to make a living. Later they included cattle on their ranching operation and eventually sold the sheep. In August 1961 Earl and Erma adopted their daughter, Cindy Rae. She was the light of his life and her daddy’s right hand man as she grew older. In 1963 the family moved to north eastern Pennington county, along Deep Creek near the old town of Pedro. They continued to ranch, raise cattle and live there until they moved to Philip in 2004 because of health reasons. Earl and Erma moved to the Kadoka Nursing Home in October of 2006 where he resided with Erma until her passing in March of 2009 and he resided until his passing.

Earl was a member of the Dowling Community Church and enjoyed reading his Bible on long cold winter nights. Earl and Erma enjoyed going to square dances and doing fun things with their neighbors. He often talked about riding horses to Irna and Leo’s, his sister and her husband, on a Sunday to visit; laughing when he told how they had to back green broke horses across the Cheyenne River bridge at Hans T. Hanson’s place. In the mid 1960's Earl was an extra on the movie set of “How the West was Won” while it was filming in the Black Hills, where he portrayed a railroad track layer. He loved helping neighbors, whether it be working livestock, breaking horses or fixing broken down machinery. He worked for the Wall Sale Barn and Philip Livestock Auction as a sorter and load out person in the late 1960's. He enjoyed the changing seasons on the ranch. Spring meant branding time at all the neighbors and fall meant getting out his corn cutter or stack mover and traveling around to the neighbors to help them with fall harvest or getting hay hauled home. He loved his ranch life, riding horses and working cattle. Friends always knew they could stop in for a game of cards or an evening of just visiting. Earl enjoyed life and always found something to smile or laugh about. He will be missed by anyone whose life he touched.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter Cindy Gabriel Nuzum of Philip; two grandsons Colt Nuzum of Newcastle, Wyoming and Casey Nuzum of Sundance, Wyoming; his sister, Irna (Gabriel) Collins of rural Faith; two sisters-in-law, Tressa Gabriel of Philip and Ilma Gabriel of rural Faith; numerous nieces and nephews who he truly enjoyed spending time with; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Erma; his parents, Fred and Francis Gabriel; four brothers John, Paul, Floyd and Frank, and one sister Freda (Gabriel) Johnson.

Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and two hours preceding the services at the community center on Thursday.

Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at the Wall Community Center.

Interment was in the Wall Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 1:00 p.m.
Wall Community Center
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Rev. Chris Crago
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Kent Gabriel - Guitarist
“Green Green Grass of Home”
“Old Rugged Cross”
Cindy Nuzum - Vocalist on CD
“You Can Let Go Daddy”
“Daddy’s Hands”
USHERS
Gerad Julson - Jeff Gabriel
PALLBEARERS
Larry Gabriel - Jimmy Collins
Dick Johnson - Bobby Collins
Rick Scott - Mike Noteboom
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
Horse drawn wagon and team by Dr. Alice Harty

Visitation: 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip
Funeral services: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at the Wall Community Center.
Interment: Wall Cemetery.

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We are so sorry for your loss! If you need anything don't be afraid to give us a call! You are in our thoughts and Prayers. ~ John and Alisha Oldenberg Philip, SD (9/26/2009)
Sympathy and prayers for Cindy...I know that this is a tough time for you, sorry I don't live closer, but you are in my thoughts... ~ Raynae Brooks Richburg 11744-B Walker Rd, Irvington, Al.36544 (9/26/2009)
I had some very good times driving your folks around and out to the ranch after they were in Kadoka. I hated to leave them when I moved to Utah. My sympathy to you Cindy. ~ Richard Brooks 3970 WZ 300N Box 26, Corinne, Utah 84307 (9/26/2009)
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, if you need anything please let us know. ((((HUGS)))) my friend. ~ Dale & Penny Baumann Quinn, SD (9/26/2009)
My Heart goes out to the family in their loss I loved spending time with Erma and Earl out at Pedro. their memory will go on forever Very Good people ~ Norma Bourne Gentry Florida (9/26/2009)
Cindy,
I will pray for strength for you to perservere through this time. ~ Mark Ford Sartell, MN (9/26/2009)
Our deepest sympathy Cindy in the loss of your Dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St Sturgis, S.D. (9/26/2009)
May you sence the Lord's loving presence, keeping you close to His heart assuring you of his tender care, and covering you with His grace. ~ Larry Bourne & Family 1165 CR 2375 chester, TX 75936 (9/26/2009)
Cindy, Please know that Brian and I are here for you in whatever you need. We are only a phone call away. Be strong. Your parents are together in heaven now watching over you. ~ Barb Williams Buffalo, SD (9/26/2009)
Thinking of you and praying~Char & family ~ Char Price 20941 Ash Creek Rd. (9/26/2009)
So sorry for your loss, Cindy. You will be in our prayers. God bless ~ Marcene Bourne West 4411 Resort Dr Granbury TX 76948 (9/26/2009)
We are so sorry to hear of Earl's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 719 Ranae St., Delta CO (9/26/2009)
Dear Cindy:
My deepest sympathy to you. I always had the best of visits when I would visit your parents out at the ranch...Oh, could they tell stories and were they funny and at the same time serious. And if they saw me walking in Philip...they would sop and pick me up and give me a ride..even if it was only for a block or two. Lord's blessings to you and remember He is with you always. Pastor Ray & Patti ~ Pastor Ray Greenseth Murdo (9/26/2009)
My prayers are with you all May the Peace of God surround you. Earl and Erma were good friends and great neighbors they will be missed. Evelyn ~ Evelyn Bourne Box Elder S.D. (9/26/2009)
Cindy and family,
So sorry for youre loss. Lucy O'Grady ~ Lucille O'Grady Rapid City (9/26/2009)
Cindy~
I know how hard these past days have been for you...but in all of the clouds of tears, remember that your dad is no longer suffering and he's walking with your mom again, free of any pain.
Hold the memories close and know that when you feel like you can't go on anymore, you have God first to pick you up, but your friends are right behind him! ~ Michelle Philip (9/26/2009)
We are sorry for you loss Cindy! YOu are in our thoughts and prayers! ~ Kress family Rapid City, SD (9/26/2009)
Cindy, sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Shannon Porch Britton, SD (9/26/2009)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Carla Troudt Pierre, SD (9/26/2009)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Cindy. I know it's been a tough couple of years for you to give up the life here that you were accustomed to to move to SD to take care of your folks, but know that they are together in a place with no pain. Now is YOUR turn to live for you. Sorry for your loss of both parents and call if you need anything at all. Lots of Love, Dee and Chad ~ Dee and Chad Griffis griffisdee@hotmail.com (9/26/2009)
Cindy: My twin sister Jennifer and I have such fond memories of your dad. He was so good to us when we were little and always had time to listen to us tell him all about what we had been up to. Such good memories last so long. May the "peace of God be with you" during this difficult time. ~ Jessica Wilsey-Abbott Meeker, CO (9/26/2009)