Gabrielle Nicole Anderson

Gabrielle Anderson of Dawson passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at her home, at the age of 31.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd, with Rev. Robert Knutson officiating.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Gabrielle Nicole (Schmitz) Anderson was born on July 24, 1994, to Arthur and Natalie (Quezada) Schmitz in Willmar, MN. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Boyd and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd. She graduated from Dawson–Boyd High School in 2012. After high school, Gaby entered the workforce, serving in multiple CNA positions throughout the west central Minnesota area. In 2022, Gaby decided to further her education by attending Lake Area Tech, where she pursued her LPN and RN degrees, graduating in July 2025. She continued working in health care, including positions at the care center in Madison and, most recently, at the hospital.

She was united in marriage to her husband, Steven, in 2015 in Watertown, SD. To this union, two children were born: Avery and Vera Lee. They made their home in Dawson.

From birth, Gaby was a fighter, spending over a month in the NICU after arriving at only 2 pounds, 4 ounces. Her parents will attest that she was born tough and carried that strength with her throughout her life. She had a deep love for her pets and an equally special fondness for llamas. If she’d ever been given the chance, Gaby would have loved having a llama of her own. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her sense of humor, and the warmth she brought to those around her. Above all, Gaby will be remembered for her profound love for her family, especially her two daughters. She was a devoted mother and wife who found her greatest joy in making her family happy. Gaby will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Steven; daughters, Avery and Vera Lee; parents, Arthur and Natalie Schmitz of Boyd; siblings, Gwendolyn Schmitz of Boyd and Johnny Vargo of St. Peter, MN; grandmother, Ursula Quezada; uncles, Jose (Christina) Quezada, Ken (Doreen) Schmitz, Jim (Linda) Schmitz, Ron (Tammy) Schmitz, Bob (Mona) Schmitz, and Leo (Jessica) Schmitz; mother in law, Lisa Anderson; father in law, Steven Anderson; brother in law, Mark Torgerson; sister in law, Alaina Torgerson; nieces and nephews, Rana, Quintin, Quincy, Victoria, and Lincoln; god parents, Rick and Tammy Schmitz of Montevideo; as well as many other extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Jose Quezada, Leo Schmitz Sr., and Wilma Schmitz.