Nicholas D. Gabbert
August 20, 1978 ~ July 8, 2011
Age 32 of Chisago City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 8, 2011. Nicholas is survived by his daughter, Taylor; his parents, Dean and Carleen; his sisters and their families, Emily (Jay) Mattson, John and Claira; Hannah (Adam) Perry, Austin, Gordy and Mitchell; Grace (Andrew) Jacobson, Drew; aunts, uncles and cousins. A visitation will be held 4-8 PM Tuesday, July 12th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM Wednesday, July 13th at St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church, 13060 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Interment will be held at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Franconia Township. Memorials preferred.
Christmas picture
Mom and Nick
Uncle Nick with Gordy
Night time wannagan days parade.
Enjoying a day at the lake.
Trip to the ice cream shop
Watching the geese.
Dock picture
Nick and Taylor.
Nick and Taylor on Christmas.
nick was always the life of the parties we had for the family get togethers. the things i will always remember are hsi BIG smile he always had. and also his very big heart he had. i love you aunt Carleen and uncle Dean. nick will always be in my prayers
I have so many great memories of my brother.He loved his daughter more than anything in the world. He would get so excited when it was his weekends with her. He would buy her every toy you could possibly think of for her birthdays. He loved buying her shoes and dresses. He was very proud of his daughter. All of Nick’s nephews adored him. They all called him Uncle Nick. They loved how loud he was. A week before nick’s passing, He came over to my house because his electricity was lost during a storm. He thought he was coming over for a nice relaxing visit and watch a little tv. The moment he walked through the door Drew was so excited and wouldn’t leave him alone. Drew insisted they play baseball, hide and seek, catch, and anything else Drew could think of. They had so much fun. I am very thankful for all the time my brother and I got to spend together. He was a great big brother and I love him so much. We will miss you Uncle Nick.
Nick always described good people as “Someone who would give you the shirt off their back.” I think nick was that kind of guy times a million. Nick and I have a beautiful daughter together. She is a lot like her Daddy, a prankster, a comedian, a love for fishing and being out on the water, a chef, and most important an endless care for other people. We love you Nick and we will miss you!!
Nick was a great guy who always tried to make everyone feel special. He would always compliment you and say how pretty you looked. Seeing and talking to Nick would brighten your day. He will truly be missed by all.
It’s impossible to measure the pain you’re experiencing, or fully understand the difficulty of what you are walking through, but we know God is with you, giving His compassion, comfort, and peace to a wonderful family. Nick was so very precious to us as a person with the kindest heart and the loving grand daddy to our grand daughter Taylor. God gave Nick to us to treasure for awhile and now has called him home. We will miss him so much but know that he is at peace and health with the Lord. Love & Blessings, Rick & Joni
To the Gabberts, I am so sorry, and wish I could be there with you. You all have lots of great memories and family to help pull you through this.I know Nick had his share of problems, but he was a great guy! Now his problems are solved, and he is at peace , and always with you! I am hoping to see you in August, take care!! Steve-0
Nick was one of my favorite people. Nick was kind, considerate and a very caring person. He always had a smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes. He had a great sense of humor, and a unique way of making us laugh at ourself. Nick was many things to our family, cousin, nephew and most of all a good friend. We have many great memories when he lived with us. He always made us laugh, when he would burst through the kitchen door imitating Kramer from Seinfeld. Nick had a habit of leaving and often times coming back for something he forgot. At our house we call this a “Nick”. We still call a heaping batch of laundry stuffed into the washer as a “Gabbert batch”. Nick was was such a cute little boy he loved the lake and fishing. One memory that comes to mind was when Nick was about six or seven he caught a nice walley off the dock. He brought it up to show his dad. His 3 sisters were in the bath tub and they yelled to him to bring it in so they could see the fish. Nick thought it might be exciting to drop the walley in the bathtub, and it was. Imagine 3 girls under 4 in the tube with a walley swimming in between them. Nick loved his parents and his sisters, however Taylor was truly the love of his life. Nick was a good man. It’s been a pleasure and honor to have you in our lives. Please watch over us. Love, Joan and family.
So much of what everyone else has already said rings with me too. Nick always made everyone laugh and feel very special! Between spending summers on Bone Lake and Nick living at my parent’s, I have so many great memories of Nick. One memory that I will never forget took place at the end of every weekend I spent at the Gabbert’s house. Nick would always let me take home one of his old toys. To Nick they were probably a pile of junk he never used anymore but to me they were my older cousins toys that I felt extremely lucky to take home. Nick was a great cousin and friend and will always be remembered.
I hadn’t seen Nick in many years but will always remember the kindness he showed through our years of high school that without his friendly face, would have been much harder times for me. He had a good heart and I will never forget how he treated me. What a wonderful person!
I will always remember Nick’s huge smile and the twinkle in his eyes whenever he greeted me. He never shied from giving big hugs and truly expressed his love toward others. I always enjoyed listening to the grovel in his voice as he spoke. His love for his daughter and for his family was always apart of who he was as a person. I can only imagine the deep pain and sorrow you are feeling at this time. May the good times and special memories help to ease some of the pain over time. Nick will surely be missed. Sending love to you.
Nick where do I start… Just talked to him a couple of months ago and he was telling me how much he loved his daughter and his great family. I will miss him very much. Nick always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him. GREAT guy….He will be missed greatly
Dear Gabbert Family, I wish to express my deepest condelences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Oh, Nick! I have so many memories of you! I even have a few scars from playing king of the dock (you won!). You were one to give my dad the nick-name Crooked Captain Brad! So many memories of times on the lake in our boats and riding bikes around. I remember when we would ride over to eachothers house on the day of our birthdays to wish eachother a happy birthday. You were my first boyfriend, too (even though it was only for a week in third grade!). I just wish I could have said goodbye. You will live forever in my fondest memories. Miss you already.
Dean and Carleen — I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Thinking of Nick, I can hear his gravely voice as clear as a bell, and see him tilting his head back in that great raspy laugh of his. There was always a smile on his face. He was a very genuine person. He told me I was pretty every time I saw him, and even if I didn’t feel like I was on that day, I believed it coming from Nick…and still, when I over heard him telling someone else the same. The first time I brought Joe to a family holiday, I expected him to get a hard time from the uncles, but it was Nick who put him on the spot. When we walked into Joan’s kitchen, Nick went up to Joe and shook his hand as I introduced him to Joe. Nick said something to the effect of, “Your a lucky guy, she’s a gorgeous girl-I mean look at that rack. You better be good to her!” I think that was to moment Joe realized what kind of family he was getting into! I also remember how adoringly Nick spoke of Taylor; her “evening gowns” and “french braids.” He eyes danced and his voice softened when he spoke her name. It was clear she was the love of his life! Nick will be missed by all who met him.
To each of Nick’s family, We share in your loss and are so sorry for your grief. We pray for God’s comfort and peace to surround your heart and mind in the days to come. Nick was a gift to this world and with the time he had, he spread a lot of love. We will always remember his kind eyes, and the natural and wonderful sparkling smile he had for friends. He was a caring man with a big heart, a bonus that comes from the unconditional love and support of his parents and family. The world lost a bit of glimmer when Nick left us, but Heaven must be shining brighter today with him in it. God’s richest blessings and comfort on each of you.
I remember him always being so happy. everytime i saw him he was in a good mood. always willing to help. He sure was a great guy. You will be missed!
Gabbert Family…..My Thoughts and prayers are with you all. We were saddened to hear of Nick’s passing. While working with Nick, he always had stories to tell. Some of fishing, but most of them involved his daughter Taylor. She always brought a smile to his face – he was so very proud of her. He always was smiling!!! He was always there to help if you needed it too. May he rest in peace and his loving memory live on in your hearts and memories forever. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Nick was such a great guy. He loved everyone he was always talking about his beautiful daughter Taylor and his the wonderful sisters who he loved so much. He always had a smile on his face. I’ve had some good conversations with Nick and would always be laughing. Many memories we will never forget of him. Nick will never be forgotten thaughts and prayers to the Gabbert family.
Nick was such a great guy… always had a beautiful smile on his face. I do not ever remember him having a bad word to say about anyone ever… and he was always willing to help. He will be missed soo much by everyone!!
no matter what we were doing he would always seem to make me laugh and everyone always enjoyed his company.
In an oft-cynical world, Nick was the exception. I cannot recall Nick having a negative word to say about anybody. By no coincidence, nor do I recall anybody having an unkind word to speak about Nick. I have not seen Nick for a few years, but if I close my eyes, I can see his Cheshire grin, and hear his laugh. That laugh, it was contagious. Sometimes the world gets a hold of you; you get caught in the rat race, just trying to get through the day. Then we lose someone like Nick, and you realize that you will never hear that laugh again. Somehow, the world seems different. The world is poorer without you Nick. We are richer for having known you. Rest in peace good buddy, you will be missed.
So many great memories of Nick always smiling and making me laugh. I’m sure I’ll never meet a nicer or more enjoyable person to be around.
To my sweet Gabbert family. I am so thankful that our families are so close. We will all miss Nick’s presence so very much. Lean on us now and in the days ahead. I believe that Nick is at peace in paradise with God and to him it will only seem like the blink of an eye before we are all together again. Take comfort in his memory and the piece he left behind in his beautiful daughter Taylor. All my love, Sarah, Marilyn, Grace and Gabe XOXOXOXOXO
I am so sad nick died. He was such a sweet sensitive boy and then young man. He was always friendly and wanting to visit when we would see each other. I will always feel that nick is near and listening when I talk to him. I will especially remember him when I am by a lake and when fishing. I remember when mom (Grandma Berg) took care of him when carleen worked.I was in the 9th grade. It was so much fun to come home and see him.I couldnt wait to get my hands on him. He will be missed always and especially at family get togethers. Love and strength to Dean, carleen, girls and there families. I will enjoy watching Taylor grow up and seeing Nick in her.
Nick seemed to always be there, when I came to visit. He was always such a joy to be around, so funny. Great smile. Loving. And always told me I was so pretty. I watched him grow from a shy boy, to a very social pretty boy Gabbert. Because, us Gabberts….are quite social and love to have a good time with many people. He was so caring, and was so proud of his daughter. He always carried hope with him, even when things were down. He loved life, and lived life to the fullest. I wish I had more time to be around him, but for the times I was….this was my impression of my cousin. Nick’s parents and sisters are so special to me, always making me feel so welcome when I come visit. I feel your pain. The loss of someone we love. But most especially, knowing as a mother of 3 sons, how hard it must be to lose a son. I hope you will heal with time. He will never be forgotten by me. I miss you all and wish I could be there to comfort. May Nick rest in peace.
Dean, Carleen and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Although I didn’t see much of Nick as he got older, I always remember what a great kid he was. His excitement over catching a big fish couldn’t help but affect everyone. I remember when he caught his “trophy” walleye. He came tearing out to my fish house telling me I just had to come to your house and see it! And then he went out and caught another. Good memories of a fine young man. Love to all of you. Sue Rivard
Dear Gabberts, Nick was a wonderful person always full of smiles. I have so many memories growing up with my friend Nick. Going to school with him playing baseball many hours of fishing and riding bike so much we wore the tires off of the bikes. Who could forget hockey on the lake and of course “creature dogs” the game where the neighborhood boys would be against all the girls hiding from each other throughout the neighborhood. One of the greatest memories I have of Nick is the baseball game when a ball was hit to him in the outfield and everyone yelled NICK NICK NICK and he reached his glove out and the ball landed in it. Nick was the type of person that made everyone around him smile now he is in heaven doing the same. Someday we can all see him again and share more laughs. Todd
I will always remember Nick for his Pez collection. It was a massive collection. He would bring them to school and show them off. We had English class together in middle school and he would always try to talk the teacher into letting us watch “VHF” and he succeded. It took a few months to break the teacher down-but he never gave up. My prayers to Nick’s family. God Bless.
Nick, you touched many people’s lives – always smiling and joking around- liked by everyone. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Keep smiling buddy!!
Dean, Carleen, and our precious “Gabbert Girls”, Our hearts grieve with you over Nick’s passing. We know how strong your faith is, and how that faith is your strength right now. We see Nick resting in the loving arms of God, and find comfort and consolation in that. We are proud to be part of your family through Grace and want you to know that you are most certainly in our thoughts and prayers, and if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Love, Steve and Marty
Dean & Carleen — Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. –The Dreyers
I have known the Gabbert family since I was two. All four of the kids babysat me and my sister. One memory I have of Nick was when I was at His house and He put me up on top of the refrigerator where I sat for who knows how long! Meanwhile, I was squishing all the bread, hotdog buns, and hamburger buns that were now under my butt! I saw Nick on July 3rd and he was happy as could be! The last thing he said to me was “Stay Beautiful!” Nick will be forever loved!
I remember Nick always having a smile on his face. He had a kind geniune heart and he loved to see people smile and laugh. I have not seen Nick for many years, but I remember happiness. God Bless your family. Nick is smiling down on us.
Gabbert Family- I will always remember Nick as the friend who showed me the ropes around Bone Lake. We were great friends for several years and he was my best friend when I moved up from the cities. We drifted apart, but I will always have the memories of Nick and I; fishing, kneeboarding, carp spearing and just running up and down the dead-end doing what kids did. I am very sorry for your loss. It is nice to read from people how great Nick was. My thoughts are with all of you in this time of sadness.
Aunt Carleen, Uncle Dean, Emily, Hannah and Grace and families, The memory that I will always have of Nick is a very welcoming one. Even though we wouldn’t see Nick often, whenever we would see him, it was like we had always been with him. He was very welcoming and loving. He cared to hear what going on in our lives. I always loved to hear his voice and laugh. I am sorry for your loss. Nick was a great guy!
so many memories of growing up with nick. my favorite is hearing him yell at the “girls” when we were little. i always remember asking emily if he knew which girl was which. emily and the “girls”:)
Nick was a very loving and very funny big brother. He was loved by all of his nephews, he was the “Uncle Nick” that broke the rules, giving the kids pop, and buying them loud cap guns. He was a kid at heart. He loved his daughter Taylor more than anything. He loved to watch Seinfeld, and we were always laughing about our favorite episodes (“Man Hands”). Its so hard to believe that he is not with us anymore. We love him so much and will miss him everyday.
My heartbreaks for you Emily and your whole family. No words can ease the pain that you all feel. Just know you have alot of support here for you and your family. Nick was a good person who loved to make people laugh and make you feel like something. He will be missed by many! Anything you need call=) Love Amanda Quigley Rivard
Our Bone Lake Gang Buddy…we all had so much fun together. Playing ball in our front yard, swimming and boating on our Forester boats. I remember babysitting all of you kids and teasing you on the bus. Nick, you were so fun to be around and made me laugh. We will all miss you. Dean, Carleen and Girls….We are thinking about you and praying for you during this time.
I have countless wonderful memories with you! We had so much fun growing up together. Always playing kickball, baseball, fishing, boating, swimming and so much more. You’ve always been one who is heard by everyone, no matter how crowded a room. You were always telling jokes, whether appropriate or not, everyone loved them. Our kids adored you! John loved how you taught him some good dance moves just the other day so he could get the girls! You could recite Seinfeld punchlines like no other. Your favorite I might add! You always knew all the classic lines from everything! Just always know that more people than you know loved you like no other. You will be greatly missed by me, Jay and our kids and so many more. I know you are up there in heaven cracking everybody up. The life of the party has arrived! I love you so much!
Dear Carleen, Dean, and family- I am so very sorry for your loss. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss hearing Nick’s gruff voice when he called you at school Carleen. If you guys should need anything at any time I am here for you.
I can remember so many great times with Nick most of them had back in the day at Frankies parents cabin. There is no greatest memory because they were all great and I can honestly say there was’nt one time I was around Nick that he did’nt make me laugh… Great guy and a great friend….. He will be missed…
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Nick was an amazing person and he will be remembered fondly. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that he is in a better place. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.” -John 14:2-3
Dear Carleen, Dean, and family, I am so very, VERY sorry to hear about Nick’s death. My words can do so very little at this sad, stressful time. I just want you to know that I have always thought of your family is being the absolute most loving, perfect, close knit family. I’m sure you each feel you have lost a part of yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much Love, Elaine S.