Phyllis (P) Dorine (Dodo) Gabbert was born February 9, 1927 to Merle & Helga Graham in Breckenridge MN. Losing her mother at the tender age of three, mom grew up under the care of Helga's sister Vi, who became Merle's second wife.
Having an uneventful childhood, Dorine moved into her teen years and met her future husband Alvin Gabbert, a young farmer, at a dance at Bagdad Roller Skating Rink.
After a short engagement, Dorine and Alvin married and began their journey together at the Gabbert farm in 1945. Dorine's transition from a city girl to a seasoned farm wife was hastened and enhanced by Martha Gabbert, Alvin's mom, who they lived with for the first few years of their marriage. Four years later their son, Dan, was born.
Alvin's love for horses led them into a very successful horse training business. The farm soon transitioned into a prosperous horse and cattle ranch advertised as 'Gabby's Training Center.'
Through adoption, they soon added two precious children, Karen and Tom, to the Gabbert family.
The training center/ranch continued to prosper until Alvin was diagnosed with leukemia. In September of 1969 Alvin passed away. A short time later, Dorine decided she was unable to continue the ranching operation. She leased out the property and the family moved to Dickinson. Dorine worked at First National Bank until she married Fred Bieber. Fred contracted cancer and passed away. A short time later, she married Ted Jessen, divorcing him after a few years. Dorine lived the rest of her life single.
Dorine's life-long desire was to be a help to those around her. Throughout her life she depended upon her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and was sustained through many challenging experiences to the age of 95. She was thankful to God for His wonderful promise of eternal life awaiting every sincere follower of Jesus Christ, because of what He did for all of us through His life, and His death on the cross of Calvary (John 3:16,17; Rom 6:23).
It was Dorine's earnest hope to see all of her family again on the glorious day of our Savior's return. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; John 14:1-3. And what a day that will be – reunited – with no more sickness, sorrow or death – eternal life through Christ! Revelation 21:3,4; Psalm 16:10.