Stephen E. Gabrielse

1933 - 2016

Stephen E. Gabrielse, 83, passed away Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at his home in Visalia, Calif. Stephen is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sylvia; daughter, Julie (Tom) Dykstra; son, Jim (Amy) Gabrielse; brother, Maurice (Marilyn) Gabrielse; sister, Irene (John) Navis; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Steve; and his parents, Peter and Dorothy Gabrielse. Stephen "Steve" was born March 9, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He attended Calvin College and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in mechanical engineering. He went on to get his master's at the University of Pittsburgh and began a 36-year career with Westinghouse. Steve was part of the Analytical Mechanics group and later became a manager in the Mechanics and Tribology department. During their retirement years, Steve and Sylvia went to the island of Dominica for three years to manage The Voice of Life, a Christian radio station associated with the Back to God Hour. They also volunteered on at least 10 disaster response trips with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, all within the U.S. Steve was known as a kind, loving, generous and patient man who did everything out of his love for his Lord Jesus. He was a devoted husband, a loving parent and grandparent, loyal to and respected by his fellow workers and had a heart for people in difficult circumstances. He and Sylvia were a great team, providing acts of service, hospitality and care to all whom God placed in their path. Steve served as an elder in his church for many years. He was also involved with Meals on Wheels and Toastmasters, and served on the local board of Bethany Christian Services. Steve loved camping, golf, travel, walking, photography and white water rafting. Sylvia, his children and his grandchildren have many fond memories of sharing in these activities with him. His family and friends will greatly miss his words of encouragement, yearly birthday letters to grandchildren, witty humor and gentle spirit. Above all, we treasure his godly example as a faithful and humble follower of Jesus.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at the GENE H. CORL INC. FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATION SERVICES OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (412-372-2100). A memorial service is scheduled for at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Monroeville, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Back to God Ministries International, 6555 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL, 60463; or World Renew, 1700 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. For more information, please visit www.corlfuneralchapel.com.