Jean Gabrelcik

Jean Gabrelcik, 87, of Fridley, passed away June 29. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at St. William's Catholic Church 6120 5th St. N.E. Fridley, with visitation 1 hour prior. Jean was born on July 2, 1928, to Adolph and Hazel Larson. She had 3 siblings- two brothers, Harvey and Lawrence and one sister, Barbara. She graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1946. Her life played out pretty much how her year book picture described her "asking little and giving much." She met and married Elmer Gabrelcik on August 10, 1949, despite the fact that their first date included his parents! Their first child, David, was born in June the following year. Diane, Steven, Sharon, Lisa and Lori rounded out their family of 6 children. Her mother passed away during this time and always being the giver that she is, her father came to live with them as well. Their life was very full raising their big family. Because of her kind heart, which was so full of love for others, a favor for a friend in need became a home daycare business. When Elmer became ill, she took very good care of him as well. In her youth, she never got around to getting her driver's license, but when Elmer became sick, she conquered her fears at the age of 64 and drove a car for the very first time! Her life of self-sacrifice and always caring for others followed her through her life, even until the end when she was still mothering those she cared about, and putting other's needs before her own. Survived by children, David (Lisa), Diane, Steven, Sharon (John), Lisa (Kurt), Lori (Steve); grandchildren, Michael (Erin), Peter (Michelle), Andrew (Samantha), Jacob (Emily), Alanna (Daniel), Kirsten (David), Jina, Alex; great-grandchildren, Alex, Liam, Carter, Sloane, Maxwell and brother, Lawrence. Preceded in death by her husband, Elmer. She will be greatly missed by all the people whose lives she touched.