Curt Gabrielson

1937 - 2015

Curt Gabrielson passed away peacefully at his home on January 19, 2015 at age 78. Born to Gustav Gabrielson and Pauline Nelson Gabrielson on a small farm south of Hillsboro, ND, on January 4, 1937, he was the youngest of eight children. When Curt was 11 years old, his father died suddenly and an older brother moved his family back to help take care of the farm. Curt attended a one-room school for grades 1-8, and attended Hillsboro High for his high school years where he learned the joy of organized sports.
A natural athlete, Curt's prowess on the football field resulted in offers for a four-year athletic scholarship to several colleges, including Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Besides a Bachelor's Degree, Curt received numerous awards during his four years at Concordia, including the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Outstanding Player Award in 1957 after rushing 1019 yards, averaging 9.6 yds. per carry and being named the leading conference scorer. Sports writers hailed him as "the most dangerous runner in the MIAC, blessed with an explosive start and great speed", and his coach called him "the fastest boy I've ever had, who is able to trap, dive, sweep or pass superbly". Curt's speed went beyond the football field and he broke two MIAC Track records which had been in place for 26 years by running the 100 yard dash in 9.8 seconds and the 220 in 21.9, records which still stand. In 1984 he was inducted into the Concordia Hall of Fame and in 2011 received the Hall of Fame honor in his hometown of Hillsboro.
While at Concordia Curt met and married his Norwegian soul-mate, the love of his life, Bev Herfindahl, in 1958. The following year he opened his home to her mother, Ella Herfindahl and two younger siblings, Cheri and Jon. This was the beginning of an extended family that filled the household with joy and activity and continued until Ella passed away 32 years later. As a result, Curt became a gracious host to many gatherings of family and friends. Much of his time centered on his kids, whom he adored. Todd's limitations helped him acquire on-the-job-training as a wheelchair mechanic, transportation provider, armchair sports partner and personal attendant.
When his stint of playing professional football was cut short by injuries in 1960, Curt settled into a teaching career in Lodi, CA, where he coached and taught Physical Education for 38 years before retiring. Highly respected by colleagues and students for his compassion and fairness, Gabrielson influenced the lives of countless young people over the years.
Curt's hobbies centered around sports and speed, so it is no wonder that flying became a passion for him. In the late 60's he acquired a small two-seater plane, spending many hours flying over the valley. When it became apparent his wife was not going to "take to the air", he sold his plane and continued flying co-pilot with friends. Riding motorcycle with a group of guys became another passion as he explored the foothills and central coast. A member of Woodbridge Golf and CC since the early 70's, Curt spent many hours on the golf course…. and often at the 19th Hole! When his health slowed him down, he continued to enjoy going out for lunch and coffee with friends. For Curt, however, being a grandpa brought him the greatest joy. He loved watching his grandsons play whatever sport was in season and carried their latest photos in his wallet to proudly show them off.
Cherished husband, loving father and admired grandfather, Curt will be missed for his calm presence, loving support, and genuine humility. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bev; daughter Tori (Doug) Hylton, two grandsons Reese and Grant of San Diego; and close extended family, Jon (Tracy) Herfindahl, of Aptos, CA, Cheri (Bruce) Firpo of Los Altos, and Jerome (Dianne) Herfindahl of Lincoln, CA. He is also survived by his sisters Pearl Simunds of Fargo, ND, and Delores (Don) Swanson of Moorhead, MN, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Curt was preceded in death by his son Todd and five brothers: George, Chester, Gilmer, Earl and Everett of ND/MN.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ken Mullen for his compassionate care, the staff at Fairmont Rehab Hospital and Hospice of San Joaquin Co.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 S. Pleasant Ave., Lodi, CA 95240, with Pastor Mark Price officiating. Cherokee Memorial Park and Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of San Joaquin Co., 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204; or Lodi High Scholarship Fund (IMO Todd Gabrielson), 3 South Pacific Ave., Lodi, CA 95242; OR to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 So. Pleasant Ave., Lodi, CA 95240.