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Luther T. Gabrielsen

Luther Gabrielsen Obituary

Luther T. GABRIELSEN Luther T. Gabrielsen, COL(R) USAF, 'Pastor Lou,' died peace fully at home on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, as he was holding the hand of his bride of 61 years, Dee. Pastor Lou was born in Detroit on March 6, 1926, but his family moved to Seattle when he was a boy, and this was home. He was the son of The Reverend Bernt and Jennie Gabrielsen and grew up at Denny Park Lutheran Church where B.T. was pastor for many years. We have lost another World War II veteran. Lou served in the Navy for three years as an air craft navigator/bombardier in the Pacific Theater. When the War ended, he returned to Seattle and began his studies at Pacific Lutheran College while working swing shift at the Boeing Aircraft Plant. He also began courting Dolores Berg. While at PLC, Lou found himself called to the minis try and so, shortly after gradua tion, he married Dee and they set off for Luther Theological Semi nary in St. Paul, MN where, in 1953, he graduated and was ordained into the ministry. The next step in their life together was the Officer's Basic Course for the newly-formed US Air Force at Lackland AFB in Texas. Pastor Lou went on to serve as a military chaplain for the next 24 years which led to being stationed in Japan, Spain, Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Alaska and Washington. In addi tion to being a World War II vete ran, he was also a veteran of the Vietnam conflict, having been stationed there during the Tet Offensive of 1968-69 and for which he received the Bronze Star. At the retirement of his military career, Lou was awarded the Legion of Merit. When Pastor Lou and Dee moved back to the Seattle area he was called to minister at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville, where he served for 15 years. Pastor Lou is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, his daughters Debra (and David) Miles, Barbara Miles, Jennifer (and Michael) Lally, his sister Marion Holum, his grandchildren Andrea, John (and Rachel), Joshua, Rebecca, Stephanie (and Ron), Rachel, his great-granddaughter, Kailey, many in-laws, nieces and nephews. His son-in-law, Paul Miles, preceded him in death on May 22, 2010. There will be a Viewing on Thurs day, May 5, from 5-8pm, at Ever green Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave. N, Seattle, WA; Committal at Evergreen Washelli on Friday, May 6, at 11am; and Memorial Service and Reception at Bethle hem Lutheran Church, 7215 51st St, Marysville, WA, on Saturday, May 7, at 3pm. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family re quests donations in memory of Luther Gabrielsen to Advent Lu theran Church, 4306 132nd St SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7215 51st Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98270, or the charity of your choice. Our Poppy lived his life guided by Matthew 5:16 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from May 3 to May 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Luther Gabrielsen

15 Entries

Juliann & Erik Olson

May 16, 2011

Dear Dee and Family,
Our deepest condolences in the passing of Pastor Lu. May you find comfort in knowing that he was loved by so many of his followers. I am so honored to have had him officiate at our wedding almost 26 years ago, as well as baptize both of our sons. He had a special gift that was so evident when he gave a sermon, not to mention how he treated all who had the privilege of knowing him and you. May you find peace in your loving memories.

Carole DeHerrera

May 12, 2011

Dee and Family,
Dave made me aware of Pastor Lu's passing. I can't cry because all I see is his big smile and I hear his happy laugh. I remember when I was accompanying "Jubilation" on the piano. At the very last note, I hit the wrong key. I looked up at Pastor Lu and he looked back at me with a grin. I then hit the correct key and he broke out laughing and the congregation followed. I loved him so much. He made going to church fun. Dave's and my sons (Troy and Darrick) remember running up to Pastor Lu for lots of big bear hugs. Mother Mabel, now 98, remembers him fondly as well. What a wonderful blessing God gave us in Pastor Lu. I hope to see him again some day where he is walking on streets of gold in that mansion just over the hilltop. Love you forever, Dee. Carole

May 8, 2011

Dear Gabrielson family, It was a honor to assist in life, for your husband and father. Please know, your friends send their sympathies. Ruth, Irina, Dawn and Linda.

Diane Larson Grover

May 6, 2011

Dearest Dee and family,
Just this morning my brother phoned me to tell me the sad news about Pastor Lu. My family sends our deepest sympathy on his passing.

In the summer of 1977, I had the honor of being the high school representative to sit on the BLC Call Committee to interview possible successors to the outgoing pastor. Lu was the last interviewee and I knew immediately that he was my choice for Bethlehem Lutheran, not only on the spiritual level, but on a personal one. His zest for life and love of the lord was contagious and as a result he was very well liked by the congregation. During his tenure membership grew by leaps and bounds! Lu would often joke lovingly that “Di was partially responsible for getting me here”, which he stated often, and he reiterated while officiating both my dad’s memorial service and my wedding ceremony. I knew that Lu and I would be great friends when we discovered a similar passion for automobiles, vintage or new. A special moment was June 1978 when the both of you and my parents surprised me with Jenni’s 1973 Mustang Grande. Another was when he allowed me to go “solo” in the T-Bird to buy him a peach milkshake at the Big Scoop Sundae Palace. Lu also introduced me to the wonderful world of the Lincoln Mark series of automobiles. Pastor Lu gave the opening prayer at the Veterans Day Assembly at the high school my senior year as well as at the commencement ceremony for the 1978 graduating class of MPHS. Many of us graduating that year faithfully listened to Lu’s sermons on Sunday mornings or sang with you, Dee, in the church choir. The post Christmas Cantata socials you both hosted at your beautiful home were the perfect addition to the most beautiful time of the year.

I will treasure every moment I spent with Pastor Lu and feel honored to have known him. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.

In sympathy,

Sue Williver

May 5, 2011

Dear Aunt Dee, Debbie, Bobbi and Jennifer,

We will all miss Uncle Lou so much. He was not just my Uncle but also my Godfather, he married Dayne and I and baptized both Cory and Kelsey. So many memories, Lake Cavanaugh, fishing trips to Blue Lake and Uncle Lou always calling me "Vic" or Vicki Sue. When I heard that, I knew it was him. We know that he is watching over everyone of us, free of pain and at peace now. All the memories we have will always be treasured and held close to our hearts.

With Much Love and Sympathy,
Sue, Dayne, Cory & Kelsey

Chuck Diver

May 5, 2011

He will be missed by many, and especially us. The world is not a better place, because Lou is not here. We loved him.

Chuck and Edie

David Coburn

May 5, 2011

Dee and family, I am so sad to hear of Pastor (COL) Lou's passing. He was so special to me and my family in times of joy and sadness that I just never thought of the world without him. Thanks to all of you for letting this Catholic Army guy into your lives when I was stationed in Everett so many years ago. Love and prayers to all of you. David Coburn, MSG, Ret U.S. Army

Deb Miles

May 5, 2011

Dear Mom,
I miss him so much. I know he is now healed and at peace. Dad's love to you, Mom, to his family, to me was unconditional.
Dad's retirement verse was Romans 8:28.
I miss you, Dad.
Love, Debbie (Deb, Bob, Jen, You!!!)

Preaching it!

JoAnn Shiley

May 4, 2011

I loved Pastor Lou and it seems almost like he has been IN my life ALL my life. That's because it almost was that way. His dad was my pastor growing up

Nancy Goodfellow

May 4, 2011

I will always remember Pastor Lou with fondness. He baptized both my sons as well as my step-father. His sermons were lively and invigorating. He will be missed, but is truly going to be a shining light above.

Vickie Graeber/Willhouse

May 3, 2011

I am so Thankful to have had Pastor Lou and you Dee in our life. I am so grateful that he was there to baptize our sick daughter Ashley in the hospital, you both helped so much during the difficult challenges we faced, and all the surgeries she had to go through. We truly have a much stronger faith because of you and Pastor Lou. We were guided by his ministry and always kept the faith. He touched so many lives and will be forever in our hearts and missed. May you and your family have the strength and comfort from above to get through your time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. God's Blessings now and always. Love, Vickie and Ashley

May 3, 2011

I remember Pastor Gabrielsen when he visited us at Freeborn Luthern Church in Stanwood. His dad, Pop BT, and mom were SO proud of their son. He was usually dressed in his officers' clothes. When he spoke, he always reminded me of John Wayne :) Tho it was 4 1/2 decades ago, he impressed me as a man who followed closely after God. What a blessing he must have been to his family. I am sorry for his loss to you, but Heaven is now richer for his being there.

May the good Lord give you comfort and peace today and during the difficult times ahead when you're missing him.

JoAnn Heichel
Stanwood, WA

Cherie Wasmund

May 3, 2011

Aunt Delores, Debbie, Barbara & Jennifer: We are all saddened by the loss of Uncle Lou. We all will miss him very much! We will remember all the good times at Lake Cavanaugh, family get togethers,he confirmed me,and he also married Kerry I over 25 years ago. We will never forget him! Love & prayers to all.
Cherie, Kerry, Brittany, Brendan & Jordan

May 3, 2011

It was such a joy to share our life at Bethleham Lutheran Church with Pastor Lou. We did Sunday School, Lutheran League with week-end outings at Lutherwood and Camp Brotherhood, Confirmation for Doug and Tyler and then having Pastor Lou marry both of the boys. He was a mentor to Paul and I and we also shared our 25th wedding anniversary at Bethleham. It was also great to know that Pastor Lou wore his "McCoy Trucking' hat to the cabin at Lake Cavanaugh. God's Blessing to Dee and the Family.
Love, Paul and Phyllis McCoy

Richelle Thaden/Tripp

May 3, 2011

We are very thankful to have had Pastor Gabrielsen marry us at Bethlehem almost 27 years ago. We know that Dee and his family feel great peace at knowing that his was a life lead by God. God's brilliant light did So shine forth in throughout his life and ministry.
Richelle and David Tripp

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