Gabriel "Gabe" Soto

Gabriel "Gabe" Soto
Gabriel "Gabe" Soto
To know Gabe was to know laughter, hard work, and the love of family. At age 90, he passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday morning, September 19, 2025.
Gabe was born on March 27, 1935, in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, to the late Severina (Muñoz) and Librado Soto. As a teenager, he immigrated to the United States with his family, building a new life rooted in dedication, faith, and love. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army before beginning a long career as a welder at Caterpillar, where he worked for more than 30 years until his retirement. He was a devoted member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, now Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Joliet.
Gabe lived life with joy and devotion to those he loved. He was a lifelong Cubs fan, a passionate follower of NASCAR, Indy racing, and NHRA, and a forever-hopeful Bears supporter. Sundays often found him at St. Joe's Park in Joliet, surrounded by family and friends. He took pride in his yard, loved the music of Elvis, and treasured trips to Huatulco, Mexico, as well as Disney vacations with his family.
His greatest joy came from being a husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. Whether playing baseball in the yard, chasing the grandkids through Haunted Trails, or simply sharing stories and laughter, Gabe created moments that will be cherished forever. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, deep family values, kindness, and loyalty-and for always being the kind of friend you could count on.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marian (Block) Soto; his children, Robert (Janet) Soto, Linda (Kenneth) Kokalj, and David (Kelly) Soto; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Mike) Hines, Bobby (Abby) Soto, Tony (Kirsten) Kokalj, and Riley Soto; his great-grandchildren, Raelynn Hines, Isabella Soto, Payton, Reid, and Cruz Kokalj; and his devoted caregiver, Maryann Giesken. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ellen (Ralph Wilkosz) Soto and Mary Esther (Wesley G.) Shaw; his granddaughter-in-law, Emily Kokalj; his sister-in-law, Lynn Soto; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Boyd; his brother, Henry Soto; and his grandson, Bryan Kokalj.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until prayers begin at 10:30 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 201 S. Briggs St., Joliet. Burial will be at Elmhurst Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gabe's name may be made to Lightways Hospice.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at http://www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.